BACKPACKS: Pack it light and wear it right!

School kids today not only have a lot on their minds, statistics show that they are also carrying a heavy load on their backs. 

A recent poll indicates that 76 per cent of Ontario Chiropractors agree that overloaded backpacks are a leading cause of back and neck pain in many of their school aged patients. 

The long-term implications of carrying a heavy backpack are poor posture,  neck and arm pain as well as irritation of the spine, joints and muscles. 

To avoid problems, start by choosing the right backpack.  Make sure the backpack is made of lightweight material, has two wide, adjustable shoulder straps that do not cut into the arm, contains a waist belt, several individual pockets, a padded back and is proportionate to the child’s body size.

The load in a backpack should not exceed 10 percent of the child’s body weight for elementary aged school children and 15 percent for those in secondary school. And the contents should be evenly distributed with heavy items packed closely to the body. 

When putting the backpack on, a child should place the backpack on a table or chair, bend at the knees and lift with the legs while putting on one shoulder strap at a time. Before your child walks out the door remind him or her not to wear the bag on one shoulder and to adjust the straps so the bag fits comfortably close to the body. 

Having your child checked by a Chiropractor may be your first step  in adding a preventative approach to your family’s healthcare.

How Chiropractic Care can help with ADHD

Chiropractic Care helping with Ear Infections

Meet the Team: Audrey Van Noort

Name: Audrey Van Noort

Position: Clinic Manager

 Grad Year: As a student of life I bring those cumulative experiences to our office. It has been my journey through college, university, motherhood, sisterhood, as a daughter, as a wife and as a student that adds to my work in such amazing ways.

Other Languages Spoken: I am fluent in American Sign Language. My oldest son was the first Deaf person I had ever met. He was my inspiration to learning this amazing language.

 Favourite Quote: “You can’t be a smart cookie if you have a crummy attitude.” – John Maxwell and “If you think you can do it, you can.  If you believe you can do it, you will.  If you trust you can do it, you will make a difference.” – Catherine Ellis

 Family: I have 4 wonderful children and an amazing man in my life. Twins were my introduction to motherhood followed 4 years later by a daughter and 5 years after that, a son. I finally understood that God really has a sense of humour when he allowed me to begin menopause as my son goes through puberty. I thank Charlie for helping me through it all!

 Favourite Movie: Does anyone remember “Old Yeller”?

 Favourite Sports Team: Am I supposed to have one?

Favourite Musical Group: My kids would say Abba but I love listening to Susan Aglukark and Natalie Cole

 Favourite Book: Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen

 Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy gathering with friends and family, playing cards and socializing over a pot luck dinner – you get the best of everything!

How to Avoid Ear Infections in Your Child

By Dr. Brent Lipke DC

 Every parent at one time or another has had the heart-aching task of dealing with a child in agony from an ear infection.

Traditionally antibiotics have been given to remedy this.  Yet, research in the Lancet Medical Journal suggests that 88% of children never need antibiotics, and in those that receive them the risk of reocurrence is high.

Chiropractic care, on the other hand has been found to be both safe and effective at decreasing pressure on the nerve supplying the Eustachian tube, which drains the middle ear to the back of the throat.

To learn more about how a safe, gentle and scientific, Chiropractic adjustment could TRANSFORM your health contact your chiropractor.  If you are interested in a complimentary consultation, CALL  the Family Chiropractic Centre, 519-837-1234. 

 I’m Dr. Brent Lipke, educating you to help you educate others !

How to help your A.D.H.D. child

by Dr. Brent Lipke DC

Between 3 and 5 % of children are considered to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Psychiatric drugs are given to children, to treat or at least modify their symptoms, but may cause drug-induced behavioral disorders and other unwanted side effects.

Parents concerned with the effects of long term drug use on their children want better answers and better choices.

Clinical studies have reported the effectiveness of Chiropractic care for children with neurological conditions including learning disorders, hyperactivity and dyslexia.

Chiropractic improves brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain, and releasing stress on the spinal cord.  This decreases anxiety and improves brain function, allowing the child to reach their full potential.

To learn more about how a safe, gentle and scientific, Chiropractic adjustment could TRANSFORM your health contact your chiropractor. 

 If you are interested in a complimentary consultation, CALL  The Family Chiropractic Centre, 519-837-1234. 

I’m Dr. Brent Lipke, educating you to help you educate others !