Kids Back to School in Vancouver? Check this out!!!

I found this great article about back packs below!! Considering how many kids I see in practice at Vancouver Chiropractic, I figured it would be a beneficial read for you parents!!!!!


"Today's kids are prone to back problems, much like adults. You only need to look at a group of children heading off to school and you'll see why: huge, bulky backpacks that hang from their shoulders are a major source of concern. Other troubles stem from a child's posture while sitting at a desk at school, sitting in front of a computer, or playing video games.

Backpacks
The weight of backpacks and similar items and the distribution of that weight across the back can play a role in damaging the muscles in the back. Whether the load is books, a musical instrument, or a hockey bag, it can disrupt the natural alignment of the spine if it is not carried correctly. Damage to children's backs may affect their health, growth, and overall well-being. Back-related problems that are not detected early could progress into adulthood.

Tips for choosing a backpack
A great first step is to be aware, and make sure that your child is aware, that a backpack may be too big or too heavy. Ask your child periodically whether or not the backpack is causing any discomfort, and look for signs of discomfort and strain in case your child is trying to "tough it out." If there is a problem, your doctor can help you find an appropriate treatment.

To maintain your child's good spine health, look for the following things when purchasing a backpack:

adjustable, padded straps that are at least 5 cm (2 inches) wide
lightweight material (canvas is a good choice)
hip strap
several compartments to store items of various sizes
wheels that allow the backpack to be pulled
Encourage your children to bring home only the necessary items from school on a daily basis. They should only carry around items they will be using that day - they shouldn't use their backpack as a storage locker! Cleaning out the backpack from time to time will keep it lighter too.

Video games, computers, and posture
Many children today spend an incredible amount of time in front of a computer monitor or television screen. With an average of eight hours per day of time spent staring at a screen, children are at risk for many problems, including:

back injury due to poor posture
obesity due to lack of exercise
eye strain
repetitive-stress injuries (often linked to carpal tunnel syndrome)
Poor posture is a major factor when kids are playing video games or doing their homework at the computer. Make sure they have a good chair that fits them properly. But also make sure that the child is sitting comfortably with good posture. Good sitting posture means:

chin parallel to the floor
ears lined up with the shoulders
feet comfortably touching the floor - if they are not, use a foot rest or adjust the height of the chair
lower back at the back of the chair
Teach your children proper posture from an early age and help them to become aware of how they are sitting, even when you're not around. Sitting properly at school and while doing homework will give your children long-term health benefits and will also help prevent injury."
Need more info? www vancouverchiropractic.ca

Fall is in the air at Vancouver Chiropractic!!!!!

Now that school is in session for the fall and the chill is in the air, people are starting to wonder how they are going to schedule in their routine for walks, stretching and general wellness. I am a big fan of core strength using yoga type poses, bosu ball, and brisk walking, to keep the metabolism going as well as keep you muscles firing correctly and in balance.

What is vital in ensuring your alignment prior to starting excercise are Chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and correct ergonomics (good posture/breathing).

Visit me, your Vancouver chiropractor to learn more and see how great your body can feel.

Have you been in an motor vehicle accident?

If you have recently been in an MVA (motor vehicle accident) and have experienced a whiplash type injury, it is critical that you seek some form of treatment. As a Vancouver chiropractor, I have seen injuries become chronic when not tended to in a timely fashion. Deal with the pain and inflammation first thru either natural (ice, arnica) or phamaceutical options recommended by your MD, then have a chiropractor assess your spine (xrays if nessesary) and recommend a treatment plan to improve your mobility and decrease pain.

At Vancouver Chiropractic, we have 13 years of experience dealing with ICBC and motor vehicle injuries.

www.vancouverchiropractic.ca

Vancouver Chiropractic care for headaches

If you are experiencing tension type headaches, it may be time to have your spine checked for misalignments. When vertebral segments are not moving correctly, the body has to work harder, expend more energy, and put pressure on associated nerves. Those nerves may be innervating the head, eyes, ears and neck muscles. If that is the case, you may start experiencing tightness, stiffness, headaches, and fatigue.
At Vancouver Chiropractic, we believe prevention of headaches by stretching, correct posture, and stress reduction are your best tools. However, if you are already feeling the symptoms, then your alignment may need to be adjusted. Come see Dr. Nora for a check-up to determine a correct course of care that is right for you.

Wrist pain? see your vancouver chiropractor!

If you are experiencing wrist or forearm pain, call us for an appointment. It may be something as simple as an overuse injury or strain that can be helped by a course of care using simple wrist mobilization and stretching techniques . Don't suffer needlessly!! At Vancouver Chiropractic, we believe in thorough evaluation and taking the time to understand your needs and injury. Visit us at vancouverchiropractic.ca for more information.

Tips from Your Vancouver Chiropractor

At Vancouver Chiropractic, its a priority to assist you in your health care quest. Now that fall is on its way, we are getting back into some routine of running around for our kids' schedules and forgetting our commitments for taking better care of ourselves.Taking that extra 5-10 minutes in the morning, after lunch, or before bed to continue (or start) you stretch routine is so beneficial to your muscles and spine. It will decrease pain throughout your day and increase flexibility and bloodflow for improved healing.

If you have had a very active summer and you feel out of sorts, then it may also be time to have a tune up with your chiropractor. Call us for more information
604-685-0052 or send us an email vancouverchiropractic.ca