Health & Wellness Tips for Children

Many health problems can be prevented or resolved with conservative chiropractic care, proper nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits. Learn more about the topics below.

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Backpack Safety

On any given day, hikers, working adults - and about 40 million teens - carry backpacks. But load them up too heavily or wear ones that don't fit properly, doctors warn, and you could be risking injury...

Pushing Stroller Safety

As more parents use jogging strollers, baby carriers and bike trailers to enjoy the outdoors with their toddlers, experts stress the importance of protecting children from spinal cord injuries...

Backpack Safety continued...
"Backpacks weighing over 15 pounds that are slung over a shoulder produce an imbalance in the rib cage," explains Dr. Gerard W. Clum, D.C., of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. "This type of repetitive strain can also initiate arm and hand numbness, headaches or backaches."
Clum's group offers these tips:

• Avoid carrying more than 10 to 15 percent of your body weight.
• Distribute weight evenly
• Wear both shoulder straps unless it's a one-shoulder pack.
• Select packs with heavily padded shoulder straps and lumbar support.
• Bend your knees when lifting a heavy pack.
• Carry only what's needed.

Stroller Safety continued...
"About 11,000 people suffer from spinal cord injuries annually, and developing children are particularly vulnerable," says Dr. Gerard Clum, President of Life Chiropractic College West.
Dr. Clum says parents should always be aware of how a device positions a child's neck or spine, and of course follow manufacturer safety instructions when using a stroller or similar equipment. The Foundation offer these additional tips:

• Make sure the child is always properly secured in the device.
• Avoid carrying or pushing a load that may be too heavy.
• Practice with the device before attempting to use it with your child.

More Health Tips

Women's Health Tips

Men's Health Tips

Family Health Tips

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