Keeping a Healthy Back With Online School
By Donna Stark
Now that summer is nearly over, it's time to send your little kiddos back to school. And while any other year you would be reading articles on how to choose the perfect backpack, this year may be a little different. If your child is heading to a laptop each morning instead of heading to school, choosing a backpack won't even be an issue, but that doesn't mean the health of your child's back isn't still at risk. Keep reading to see how you can prioritize spine safety during online school at home.
Tech Neck
Having the best technology in the palm of your hand definitely brings a convenience factor to life but it can also increase the risk of tech neck if you aren't careful. Tech neck is caused by constantly holding your head in a forward and down position, and can lead to pain, stiffness, numbness, and tingling throughout your head, back, neck, shoulders, and arms.
To avoid this from occurring, teach your child to keep electronic screens at eye level and to take plenty of breaks during the day.
Posture
Many parents may find their children escaping to their room and doing schoolwork while sitting on the bed or floor. Unfortunately, this is not good for their posture and can lead to pain, stiffness, moodiness, fatigue, poor circulation, and headaches, none of which are good to be dealing with while trying to do well in school.
If possible, encourage your child to avoid working on those areas or consider a room makeover that includes a small desk or workstation. If you decide on a desk, make sure all the equipment and furniture is ergonomically correct.
Sedentary Lifestyle
The downside to online school is that your child isn't able to walk between classes, act silly with friends at lunch, or be involved with a regular physical education class. The body was designed to move and our joints count on that motion to function properly, but with online school, there isn't much movement involved at all.
Encourage your child to take breaks and move as much as possible. Suggest going for a short walk around the neighborhood every hour or so, encourage self-reliance in the kitchen during lunchtime, or stay fit together in the evening with activities for the entire family to do.
Spine Safety With Online School
Keeping the spine healthy during online school doesn't have to be complicated. By setting some simple guidelines and making accommodations in your home, you can be sure to keep everyone safe, healthy, and on-track!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Acworth, Ga.