Pediatric Posture Epidemic Part 3 of 3

Pediatric Posture Epidemic Part 3 of 3

Welcome to part 3 of 3 of my posture series.

Now that you have heard all about our decline in posture we need to make some changes. I challenge you to try some of this re-education. You will feel better.

We have a decline in healthy posture at the speed of technology. Children and adults are showing poorer posture.

50.5% of school-age children have poor posture! Over 50%! We have an epidemic!

Poor posture decreases balance, coordination, self-confidence, and results in a poor cognitive and emotional state. Posture distortion is unfortunately the new normal, and we need to reverse this in the ‘digital age.’

Tech neck posture at a 60-degree angle causes 60 pounds of force to the neck and upper back! Tech neck causes digital dementia

I strongly recommend no tech under two and school-age children a maximum of 1 hour per day.

We discussed posture rehabilitation in part 2 of the blog series and you can see it here

Posture re-education:

1.    Take frequent posture breaks – extend your head backward and arms back behind you. For every hour you are on a device you need to take a 30-sec posture break

2.    More movement: sit on an unstable surface such as sitting with a wobble seat or posture seat, ball chairs

3.    Do digital detoxes: decrease tech time; monitor your screen time. Make 3 hours a day tech-free such as 1 hour in the morning, 1 hour before bed, and 1 hour at dinner time with your family.

Devices and technology are part of our world, and we need to watch how we interact with them. Poor posture and technology overuse affect our mood, sleep, increases our anxiety, and cause us stress.

As adults, we developed our posture before technology; our children have always had the technology, so it is up to us to teach them how to uses it correctly and to monitor them on time and correct habits.

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

Yoga and Wellness

What is Yoga? Yoga is a way of life, an integrated system of education for the body, mind and inner spirit. This art of right living was perfected and practiced  in India  thousands of years ago but, since yoga deals with universal truths, its teachings are as valid today as they were in ancient times.

Yoga can be practiced by anyone regardless of age,gender, or physical ability. It will enhance your studies and reduce stress, and help you to enjoy your free time. If you do suffer from any specific medical condition it is best to check with your doctors before taking up asana practice.

Asana benefits:

Physical benefits focuses on increasing and maintaining flexibility of the spine, toning and rejuvenating the nervous system. The gentle stretching, twisting and bending movements bring flexibility to the other joints and muscles of the body, as well as massaging the glands and organs. Circulaion is also improved, ensuring a rich supply of nutrients and oxygen  to all the cells of the body.

Mental benefits: steady postures free the mind from disturbances caused by physical movement, promoting steadiness of mind, balanced emotions, and an improved outlook on life.

Pranic benefits: Asana work in much the same ways as acupuncture or shiatsu, but the yogic system of pranic balancing is more subtle. To gain the benefit, you must practice asana regular over a period of time, but once you  feel the benefits, they will last longer. The different poses put pressure on vaious points, purifing and strenthening the nadis.

Massage available at Family First Chiropractic, located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer. Call 403-347-3261 to book today!