Back to School!

Well that came quick! What a wonderful summer. Alas, September is here and that means school for the kiddos. What better time than now to consider some important points regarding your children and your own health and NeuroStructural well-being.

S L E E P. It’s time to get on schedule. Over the next week, slowly try to get the kids to bed a little earlier each day and get them up a little earlier progressively so that they aren’t shocked that first week back to school. Studies show it’s better on our cortisol and therefore stress levels.

F O O D. Consider less grains and more fruit and vegetables for breakfast. Jettison the cereals and consider eggs (any style, I like hard-boiled because they are easy), oatmeal and fruit as alternatives. This will keep away the brain drain of late morning. Pack vegetables and hummus, fruit and tree-nuts (almonds, cashews etc.) for an energetic lunch rather than empty calorie junk food. This can make homework time easier after school instead of lethargic zombie-children emerging from the bus each afternoon!

B A C K P A C K. Test fit the backpacks on the kids. Teach them to put the heaviest books closer to the back and keep the straps snug so that the shoulders aren’t pulled back. Also encourage them to only carry what they need to have with them to minimize weight.

E Y E S I G H T. This is something to consider since this will be the first classroom work in a few months. Ask them if they are seeing the teacher and the lessons clearly. Eye and neck strain and hence structural issues could ensue if it is not appropriately managed. You can ask us about it too at your next visit. 

T E X T I N G. This is a big one. Encourage kids to hold the device vertically; minimizing the flexion of the neck. Long term, this position can traction the spinal cord reducing neurological efficiency and likely setting the groundwork for bigger issues down the road.

So there you have it. A few points to consider. Since routines are being re-established, this is also a good time to re-assess yours and your children’s spine and nervous system. Early detection of issues can allow for the opportunity to properly restore and protect the NeuroStructural systems of the body.

See you all soon and happy back to school!

Photo by Peter Hershey via Unsplash