It’s that time of the year again! For most Western Australian kids, January 31 is Back to School day! Thanks to an initiative from the Australian Chiropractors Association, Carlin Chiropractic are proud to promote the ‘Back to School Health Checklist’. As millions of children across the country return to their classrooms to learn, play and socialise – it’s important for them to value their health and wellbeing in the classroom, all year round. The focus is too often placed upon mental and social development, while health and wellbeing can sometimes fall by the wayside.
About the Back to School Checklist
It’s all well and good to have a checklist of stationery and text books for the school year, but what about the factors that impact a child’s health and wellbeing? The Australian Chiropractors Association ‘Back to School Health Checklist’ is a tool to instill healthy habits into your child’s everyday routine. Below is a summary of the key items.
Backpack
- Children are encouraged to make use of lockers if available and should only pack the essentials in order to lessen the load
- Heaviest items should be closest to the spine
- All zips should be done up all the way
- Secure the sternum straps and waist straps to fortify the load
- Always wear both straps when carrying the backpack
- A backpack should only be worn for a maximum of 30 minutes
Posture
We focus so intently on how an adult’s posture is some important when using a computer at work or in the home. What we fail to recognise is the amount of time a child spends sitting at a desk. It’s only natural that your child maintains good posture. Below are the recommendations.
- Head in neutral position in line with the torso
- Back supported by chair
- Sit up straight with the back supported
- Elbows close to body with an angle of 90-120 degrees
- Knees bent at 90 degrees
- Leg uncrossed
- Feet flat on the ground
Screen time
Devices are so commonly used in the classroom for learning. Keep recreational screen use outside of the classroom to a maximum of 2 hours per day. Make sure your child enjoys plenty of non-screens related activities.
Nutrition
A nutritious diet is important at any age. Staying alert in the classroom, active in the playground and sporting field are assisted with a balanced diet including fruit, veggies and plenty of water.
Exercise
Physical education, school and weekend sports are essential for a child’s health and wellbeing. An hour of physical activity should be included in a child’s daily routine.
Chiropractic care
Visit Carlin Chiropractic for advice and assistance on getting your child ready for going back to school. Our expert team can teach your children many healthy habits they can make use of all year round! We are here to help your child maintenance their spinal health and overall wellbeing.
Book with Carlin Chiropractic and let us help your children tick off the Back to School Checklist
Reach out to us for a booking via our contact form, or call on 08 9385 2388. We’re looking forward to being of assistance for the 2022 school year!
