The 5 COMPUTER POSTURE SECRETS FOR KIDS

Workstations need to be properly fit for a child’s body to avoid harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime as repetitive motion injuries (RMI), carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) noted a recently published study from researchers at Cornell University and found that about 40 percent of the elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk. The remaining 60 percent scored in a range indicating “some concern.”

5 SECRETS TO KNOW

Workstation chair: This should fit your child by using an ergonomic back cushion, pillow or a rolled-up towel placed in the small of the child’s back for postural support. Arm supports are needed so that the elbows are resting within a 70 to 135 degree angle to the keyboard. It is best to have two inches between the front edge of one’s seat and the back of the knees. Feet should be placed on a foot rest or similar object so your child’s knees are positioned at about a 90-120 degree angle.
Neutral wrist position: Wrists should not be angled up or down, nor should your child have to reach or hold his or her arm away from the body.
Reducing eyestrain and eye fatigue: Your child should have adequate lighting and a no glare screen if possible. The best positioning of the monitor is having the screen at or below the child’s eye level. To accomplish this, you may need to take the computer off its base or stand, or have your child sit on firm pillows, phone books, etc to reach the desired height.
It is vital to limit your child’s time while at the computer: Encourage periodic stretch breaks about every hour or so. Stretching can include a minimum of one minute of: putting hands in a praying position while squeezing them together for 10-20 seconds and repeating with the hands pointing downward; spreading the fingers apart and bringing them together one at a time; clenching hands into a fist and moving them inwardly in a circle for a count of 10 and then outwardly for a count of 10; squeezing a hand exercise squeeze ball for about 1-2 minutes and/or standing with wrapping the arms around the body and turning all the way to the left and then to the right.
Suggest correct computer ergonomic education at your child’s school.

EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT AND HAS UNIQUE NEEDS

Our goal is to support our children and create a healthy space for them to enjoy optimal wellness. Kids are natural explorers as they run, fall and bounce around a lot. They are quite resilient as their ability to recover quickly from an injury is one of the great benefits of being young. However, one of these injuries may impact a child’s spine without causing any or little lasting pain and have a long-term effect on spinal muscles, ligaments and spinal nerve function. If muscles and ligaments are irritated or inflamed, the mechanical integrity of the spine is compromised. The short and long-term results may result in loss of range of motion in the neck, back or one or more joints, muscle pain, stiffness and tightness, headaches, numbness or tingling, frequent colds, gastrointestinal problems, allergies and asthma. Therefore, when it comes to vibrant health for you and your family, preventing a problem is easier than treating a problem.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD YOUR CHILD’S SPINE CHECKED?

The health of your child’s spine and overall well-being needs to be taken very seriously. Keeping your child’s spine healthy will improve their posture, decrease their chance of injury, improve their overall health and help to avoid spinal problems as scoliosis. Our goal is to gently treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system and provide advice on nutrition, posture and exercise, thereby helping stimulate one’s body’s natural healing process. Studies have shown that children who receive regular chiropractic care are less frequently ill, are able to concentrate better in school and are overall healthier. As parents and caregivers, isn’t this what we want for our kids?

Yours in Health,