The Young Spines are going ‘Back To School’!
School should be a place of playing, learning and growing. So what things can we do to help our children get the most out of school and be at their healthiest best!?
Eye Test
Children are adaptive creatures and are not always aware if their sight is as it should be. If your little one is starting school for the first time then they will have only needed to recognise objects and pictures by their shape and colour …not yet by specific letters and numbers. Otherwise it is recommended that children and adolescents have an eye test annually.
Correct Shoes
Children run around at school as well as sit in the classroom. Obviously they have a PE kit, but they do not change into these for break and lunchtime play!
Correctly fitted shoes will support the correct position and structural formation of their foot. If your child wears orthotics or gait plates to help support and train their foot arch then school shoes specifically designed for naturally high arches usually fit the best.
If you are worried about your child’s feet or want their arches checked by one of our Chiropractors, we offer a FREE biomechanics consultation to look at the feet, gait and posture. BOOK A FREE CHECK
Back Pack
This is the posture tip everyone knows, but try as we might, unfortunately it seems to be either more convenient to carry a back pack on one shoulder or it is just cooler?!
The trick is to train them young …teach them to tighten and loosen the straps for taking the bag on and off and soon it will become second nature, just as putting on your seat belt in the correct way is for us.
If bad habits are already in place, remind them that at the very least, the bag should not be bouncing in their bottom whilst walking!
Breakfast
The correct amount and type of energy is needed to fuel all this playing and learning …try to cut out the sugary cereals and have wholesome breakfasts. For example, scrambled eggs on toast, porridge oats & boiled eggs and soldiers. The more wholegrain and protein rich food groups they have at this time of day the better. And of course a glass of water or milk as opposed to orange juice.
Packed Lunch
The same principles apply for their lunch as for breakfast. Thankfully, children in reception and year 1 & 2 have hot meals provided for them in most schools. But for those that have or prefer packed lunches, fill them with some good energy filled snacks and healthy sandwiches. Try to make the bread wholegrain, choose a ham / egg / homous filling as opposed to just jam. Add a piece of fruit and some homemade flapjacks usually go down a treat. If your child insists on the packet of crisps (practically zero nutritional value) then ask them to have a banana or piece of fruit as well.
I know children can be difficult to please and of course we want them to eat well …but also be assured that they are eating something …we owe it to them to guide them to make the right food choices which will set them up for a healthier adulthood. If it cannot start now during their childhood years …then when? 🙂
Sleep Well
Adequate sleep is needed to process information, recover and rest. Therefore, enough sleep is most important at this crucial time in a child’s development. Children usually need between at least 9 to 12 hours every night.
Take Home Message
Try to adapt some of these healthy habits into your own daily routine. Make time to sit with your children to eat a healthy breakfast and take time to pack a lunchbox together the evening before – that way, you can talk to them about the food choices in their lunches.
REMEMBER: Children will be children, but there is always hope as they learn by example…we are that example.
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(NEXT MONTH!! October 2015) Donate now on Jaspreet’s Just Giving Page OR sign donation form on reception – Thank you
Lee Haney, American Athlete
NEXT TIME:Â Top 5 Tips to Avoid ‘Funny Bones!’