Back to school 101

Sending your kids back to school can be overwhelming in so many ways. Maybe your child is excited to get back, or maybe they aren't ready for the summer to end. You might be thinking to yourself that after a few weeks they'll get back into the swing of things and embrace the new school year.

However, if you don't approach back to school properly your kids might come home every day complaining of aches and pains among other things. Here are a few things I always recommend for back to school:

BACKPACK SAFETY

Obviously backpacks put a strain on the spine. Over 1/3 of students carry more than 30% of their body weight in their backpacks. Your child should be carrying no more to 15% of their body weigh in their backpacks. Most backpack problems come from excessive weight, inappropriate fit, and improper wearing of the back pack.

When a child's backpack is too heavy the weight can pull them backward so to compensate a child might bend forward at the hips or arch the back which will cause the spine to compress unnaturally. So, make sure to explain to your child that they need to wear both straps on their backpack!

You want to look for a backpack with: wide, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, a waist belt, and multiple compartments. Messenger bags, or rolling backpacks are a good alternative. If a backpack is used correctly, the back and abdomen will support the weight

HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM

Back to school almost always involves getting sick. There are many things you can do to give your child a better chance to adapt to the stresses placed upon their immune system. Keep them away from sugary foods, and make sure they focus on staying hydrated with water as opposed to juices and soft drinks.

I would also recommend that your child takes a daily probiotic to boost their immune system. Probiotics are a healthy bacteria that live in the intestines and help with the immune system.

REGULAR CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS

You had to see this piece of advice coming! YEP, get your kids checked regularly. The easiest way to make sure your kids are doing alright is to have their spines checked regularly! so get in here ASAP!