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.

Why suffer from Sciatica?

Hi, I’m Dr. Brent Lipke .

Your sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in your body.  It begins in your lower back as five smaller nerves and extends down the back of your leg to your toes.  And, if you have burning pain, numbness or tingling down your leg, often aggravated by sitting or changes in position, you may have damaged the sciatic nerve causing a condition known as sciatica. 

Historically, drugs, surgery or physical therapy have been used to treat the pain of sciatica but often bring little or no relief.   

Research has shown Chiropractic to give long term results, because it corrects the cause of the sciatica by re-aligning the vertebrae and thereby removing the bony pressure on the sciatic nerve.

 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, or visit us online at http://www.guelphchiropractors.com .

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

What you get out of Exercising

Investing in 20-30 minutes per day of aerobic exercise may be a great start toward great health. 

Aerobic exercise is defined as physical exercise that intends to improve the efficiency of the cardiovascular system in absorbing and transporting oxygen. Aerobic exercise includes prolonged movement of large muscles in your hips, legs and arms that affects your hearts and lungs. 

 You will notice changes in your cardio (heart) pulmonary (lungs) fitness within weeks of starting.  Your body will also release endorphins, natural pain-killers that increase your sense of wellbeing. 

Regardless of your athletic ability, age, weight and gender aerobic exercise is good for you.

Aerobic exercise is a stress placed on the body that is actually good for you and will make your body stronger and more efficient.

Regular exercise can:
·        Reduce health risks including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, osteoporosis (especially weight-bearing exercises)
·        Help you maintain a healthy weight
·        Ward off viral illness by stimulating your immune system
·        Keep your arteries clear (decreasing LDL or ‘bad fat’ and increasing HDL ‘good fat’)
·        Strengthening and increasing efficiency of your heart
·        Boost your mood

Another way to help keep your spine healthy is by visiting your Chiropractor.

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

 I’m Dr. Dan Vitale, educating you to help you educate others !