Back To School Tips

So, back to school for another year!! You may never have considered it, but there can be a considerable amount of spinal load involved with our littlies trekking off to school. Coolum Family Chiropractic is encouraging our young Aussies to adopt the following practical and useful health habits all year round to minimise the risk of spinal stress. 

Backpack

This is the big one! Or hopefully not, small bags are better 😉 

Before kids even step through the school gates, they are already putting their spines to use by carrying large, often heavy backpacks. With so much that goes into a child’s backpack, it’s important that they are packed correctly, including:

• Only packing essentials to lessen the load, perhaps use school lockers if available.
• Packing the heaviest items closest to the spine and make sure all zippers are done up all the way.
• Securing the sternum and waist straps (they’re there for a reason).
• Always wearing both straps. Tell the kids it’s not cool to ‘one-strap it’ anymore.
• Reducing the time spent wearing the backpack to no more than 30 minutes at any one time.

See the backpack that has our tick of approval, the Spartan Chiropak II

Posture

Kids spend a large chunk of their day sitting down at desks, so it’s important that they maintain good posture by sitting with their shoulders back and relaxed, with their chair tucked in and both feet firmly on the floor.

Screen Time

Screens, computers and smart devices are commonly used in classrooms for learning purposes these days. It is important to monitor the recreational screen time and try and reduce this to two hours a day,¹ or at least maintain a balance between screen activities and non-screen related activities.

Nutrition

Maintaining a nutritious diet is important at any age, but especially for growing and developing children. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is essential to keeping kids alert in the classroom and active in the playground.

Physical Activity

Participating in physical activity in school, at home or part of a weekend sporting club is key for a child’s health and wellbeing. As a guide, kids should be getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity everyday.¹

Look after your kids spinal health by applying these simple and effective tips. Hope they all have a great school year!