Focus on children: Back to school and back pain

Yes, it’s that time of year already: summer is almost over and our children are headed back to school--and between the hectic early mornings, long days studying, homework and extracurricular activities, it’s only natural that some things might get lost in the shuffle. But if there’s one thing we have to make sure to keep in mind when it comes to our kids, it’s their health, and while any time of year can bring its own special physical challenges, back to school can also mean a return to aches, back pain, muscle strains and more. But it doesn’t need to be this way--here are some simple ways to keep an eye on our children’s health as they hit those books!

One important cause of back-to-school back pain is pretty obvious: a child’s backpack. Often these bags account for between 20 and 40 percent of a child’s bodyweight, and having that amount of weight strapped to their back all day can lead to serious overuse of back muscles! Keep an eye on these bags and make sure their weight doesn’t get out of control. Also be sure to avoid one-strap or uneven bags, as they can cause a lopsided strain on the child’s spine. Another important back pain factor is the time our kids will spend hunched over desks or in front of computer screens. Make sure the time they spend at the monitor isn’t excessive, and encourage them to take frequent breaks!

Nutrition is important year-round, but when our kids’ brains need to be performing at high levels, a proper diet is essential. Discourage high-fat foods and sugary sodas, and make sure your children aren’t skipping meals. The same goes for a good night’s sleep; class may start bright and early, but 8 hours a night is recommended for a growing body.

Lastly, the school year is also a time for sports and other extracurricular activities. Keep the focus on fun by following proper safety guidelines, and using the right equipment. Competition can be fierce among youth athletes, but ensuring that safe practices are followed now can help to avoid injury and lengthier recuperation times down the line.

All in all, there’s no doubt that back to school days can be a bit hectic, grueling, even a little stressful. But it’s also an exciting time full of activity and potential! Maintaining a focus on a few key areas of our children’s health can help keep the beginning of the new school year fun, painless and injury-free.