One of the biggest transitions from summertime to school for kidz is the amount of movement and activity they are able to get in a day. Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time can be challenging for anyone, but especially the younger population! Many class schedules have time built into the day for outside/play activity, but nonetheless, our kidz are still more stationary than they are used to. Our advice is to take time after school for your kidz to be active. They can be outside, playing with siblings, or even joining you on a walk!
We have compiled our favorite kid friendly stretches for your little to incorporate. We recommended stretching during long periods of studying/sitting + before bed to help them unwind. If there is a specific complaint your child is battling [headaches, back pain, etc.], feel free to reach out or make an appointment for more specific direction!
Of course one of our favorite tips to keep kids healthy is regular chiropractic adjustments! Adjustments influence the body in many ways [see IMMUNE SUPPORT below.] One of the most important influences that adjustments have is on the nervous system. Children’s brains + bodies are developing incredibly fast + adjustments help support that. While they are out playing + running + falling we want to make sure their bodies are moving well so they don't develop any compensation patterns! As they grow each system in the body is evaluated - except the nervous system - and that is our job here!
It’s impossible to avoid desk time in school! A standing desk is always nice when its available, but there are many other ergonomic solutions [LISTED BELOW] that you can incorporate at home, especially with kids that have homework!
— Exercise Ball — swap the desk chair for an exercise ball! Kids love it, especially if they don’t like to sit still.
— Take frequent breaks [and STRETCH!]
— Keep your device at eye level : stack with books or you can buy alaptop/computer stand!
One thing that has been on many parents’ mind is their kids immune system going into the school year. After remote or hybrid learning last year, we are anticipating that kids may have to battle more bacterial and viral infections. Chiropractic care works on addressing the function of nervous system, which governs the whole body. So when the nervous system is working optimally, it in turn allows the immune system to function its best! In addition to this, there are a variety of body work techniques we use in the clinic when a child does get sick to help them feel better faster, for example, ourEar + Sinus Drainage technique. This is how CHIRO FOR KIDZ can help, but here are things to keep in mind at home to support your littles developing immune system: [REMEMBER: kids learn by example!]
—Good Sleep : Age determines how many hours your child needs to sleep but adequate sleep is essential in order for the body to produce immune cells. An hour before bed, put away screens + keep them out of the room [blue light can interfere with their circadian rhythm ~ aka sleep cycle]
—Encourage + Demonstrate a Healthy Diet : more on this below!
— Teach Hand Washing : There are great learning tools online, like graphics and videos. You can also make it fun by adding a song like the “Happy Birthday” song!
—Stay Active! Regular exercise/activity increases the number of immune defense cells.
A healthy diet is really important for everyone’s health, which probably isn’t a huge shock for most people. However, not many people may know exactly how it impacts the body’s ability to function and develop. Nutrition can be complicated, but you can keep it simple too, especially for kids. Try to focus on good protein, good hydration, and fruits + vegetables.
Good Protein: Really important for growth and development! Protein is the building block of our body!
Good Hydration: Adequate water is important [half of body weight in ounces/day]. Also keep in mind the other beverages your child gets. Many drinks ‘made’ for children can be full of sugars and dyes. We don’t need to fear sugar, but it's widely over used in our culture and contributes to many health struggles even in children.
Fruits + Vegetables: Eat COLORFUL! Different colors of vegetables contain different phytonutrients. Phytonutrients increase infection-fighting cells production + aids the body in defending cells from viruses. Try to aim for 5 servings of fruits and veggies each day. You can also look into Fruits + Greens powders, we like the brand NutriDyn!
It may seem simple, but check in with your kids and see how they are doing + feeling! Kids don’t typically complain about things like pain, or not being able to concentrate, anxiousness, irritability, or having bathroom issues. They probably aren’t going to say “take me to the chiropractor”, but these are all issues that can affect a kidz development and success in school, and they can also be easily addressed!
