During this week, many Aussie kids will pack their books, polish their shoes and head back to school, ready for the year ahead. However, kids don’t often think about the impact that common classroom activities like sitting for long periods, carrying a heavy bag and excessive screen time can have on their overall health and wellbeing.
This year as part of our annual Back to School campaign we are encouraging children to adopt the following positive spinal health habits in school and home:
Backpack
With so much that goes into a child’s backpack, it’s important that they are carried and packed correctly by wearing it with both straps, adjusting the bag to the correct height and ensuring only the essentials are packed.
See the backpack that has our tick of approval, the Spartan Chiropak.
Posture
With kids spending a large chunk of their day in a classroom, it’s important they try to maintain good posture by keeping shoulders back and relaxed with both feet firmly on the floor.
Screen Time
Although technology and smart devices are a part of modern learning, try to reduce recreational screen time to two-hours every day or at least maintain a balance between screen 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
Getting enough physical activity is key for a child’s wellbeing, so as a guide, kids should try and get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
As a community it is important that we support children and educate them to make the right decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Your local ACA chiropractor can provide you advice and assistance on implementing these positive health habits into your child’s daily activity.
Chiropractors can also assist with fitting your child’s backpack to suit their current level of development. To find an ACA chiropractor near you, visit findachiro.org.au
For more information on these tips and the Back to School health campaign, visit backtoschool.org.au
