Trampolines are not recommended for your child

Now that spring and summer time has arrived parents want their children to get outside into the fresh air and get exercise. Now, I am not a fan of trampolines and if you are planning on purchasing one I suggest not to and look at other options for exercise for your child.

Many heath professionals will deter parents from purchasing a trampoline. This is a quote from the Canadian Paediatric society. “Health care professionals, including family physicians and paediatricians, should warn parents of the dangers of trampolines as a recreational toy at routine health care visits. Parents should be advised to avoid the purchase of trampolines for the home because enclosures and adequate supervision are no guarantee against injury. “

https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/trampoline-home-use

Recommendations are also made to not allow a child under 6 to use a trampoline.

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/early/2012/09/19/peds.2012-2082.full.pdf

Children are growing and developing and their bones and muscular system are immature and weak and cannot handle the impact and repetitive injury. The bones are soft and can bend and flex causing a higher rate of fractures and ‘bending’ of the bones requiring casting and possibly surgery. The children can also obtain sprain strains and soft tissue injuries in their spine and extremities.

Multiple authors and organizations, including the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and Safe Kids Canada, have called for the elimination of trampolines in the home environment as recreational play equipment or for an outright ban on trampolines under any circumstances for the paediatric age group. There were 4,247 reported cases of trampoline injuries treated in emergency rooms across 15 hospitals between 2005-2006 and 2009-2010.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications/health-promotion-chronic-disease-prevention-canada-research-policy-practice/vol-33-no-3-2013/injuries-related-consumer-products-canada-systematic-literature-review.html

Over my 20 years in practice I have seen many trampoline related injuries such as spinal trauma, sprain/strains, neck injuries, low back and mid back injuries and fractures requiring casting and surgery.

Dr. Joelle Johnson BSc, DC practices in Red Deer at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson Drive 403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca

Why have CranioSacral Therapy?

1. Some people come because they feel as though they aren’t coping and that life is very difficult. CranioSacral Therapy can often be a last resort after many years of struggle.
2. Some people come because they have long standing health issues which make it very difficult to cope. CranioSacral Therapy can help relieve the emotional and physical side-effects of living with long term illness or pain and can support the body in its natural movement towards health.

3. Some people come because they have experienced traumatic events that they cannot move past. CranioSacral Therapy is a very safe, gentle and effective way of treating trauma and post-traumatic states.
4. Some people come because they are incredibly stressed and anxious and can’t seem to find any relief from a very busy mind. CranioSacral Therapy is especially good at encouraging a very deep sense of stillness allowing the mind slow down and rest. Many people say they sleep very well after a craniosacral treatment.
5. Some people come because they just need to be held and listened to. The most important thing a CranioSacral Therapist does is to simply be present for the client and hold the therapeutic space allowing the client’s process to unfold naturally.

Jeannette Raskin, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Remedies for sitting long periods of time

                Its that time of year again with the summer around the corner, as we all begin to brew ideas and creativity with planning and along with planning comes goals we would like to meet while we go on holidays which may consist of heavy luggage, driving and natural stress that comes with it. That being said, lets look at some things to look out for and making the time for yourself when you get back from all the fun on your summer vacation.

                When in a seated position through work if you have an office job, we have a tendency to overlook our posture. As humans we aren't designed to be in a seated position we are designed to walk to squat and jump and crawl, you get the idea! It all boils down to movement! Our body is incredible and how its created blows my mind and we don't realize how special and intricate our body is and what it is capable of doing. Without the fascia we would be just a pile of bones on the floor. So going back to a seated position for long periods of time, we experience muscle weakness in our glutes and can create an imbalance to the structure which can turn out to be a domino effect and wreak havoc on our central nervous system if going unnoticed. When our muscles are not firing up properly we can continue to live with that imbalance for weeks up to months which can cause inflammation to our joints. And when it comes to vacation time what do we do? we go on our vehicles and drive for hours to our destination in a seated position, and expect our body to move freely once we get a chance to play causing more injury to an already inflamed body.

                So before you make plans setting up for your next vacation or to switch up your routine at work make sure to book in for a massage to eliminate sore tired muscles and allow a therapist to break up any scar tissue from poor posture and create movement back into the tissues and feel lighter in your body to destress in the mind as a stepping stone to achieve vitality in your mind body and spirit.

                On the other note, If you don't plan on going for long drives and you decide to stay to work on a project at an office, take mini breaks at work and fidget at home its okay! Next time watching Netflix throw in some stretches or do some neck rolls and I assure you it will become a good habit that your body will crave. Or when your on the phone, try to get up and walk around or perhaps use a medicine ball and swivel side to side, forward and backward to break up the stillness in the same position for part of the day. Hope this all helps and enjoy the next few months of the summer pain free!

Massage available at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.