Back to School Health Tips
Here we go again! The kids are heading back to school, and it’s either a huge sigh of relief or an inward groan depending on your perspective and situation. But whether you’re bundling out the door, preparing for another round of homeschooling or tearfully waving your little angels off at the school gate for the first time (it’ll get easier fast, trust us), there are a few things you can do to get this term off to the healthiest possible start.
1. Get the right backpack
Obviously your kid is going to want the one in the coolest colours with this month’s favourite character on the front, but it also needs to be sturdy enough to carry all their belongings, and comfortable for them to wear. Look for one with wide shoulder straps, make sure they wear it on both shoulders, and adjust the straps so that the weight of all those books is supported evenly and securely.
2. Set up their homework environment
Whether you’re homeschooling your kids permanently or temporarily (thanks Covid), or you’re just looking for somewhere for them to do their homework in the evenings, make sure they’re not sprawled on the sofa or the floor but have an environment that supports their back and joints. Their desk and chair need to be at the right height so they can sit with their back straight, feet flat on the floor, elbows at right angles and hips slightly open. An adjustable desk and chair can be a good choice so they can last your growing child. Make sure the top of any screen they’re working from is at eye level so they are looking straight ahead with their neck held softly. And get them to take regular breaks from the screen!
3. Check their shoes
Why do kids grow out of everything so fast?! School shoes are one of the most annoying things to keep replacing because they’re expensive and you can’t get away with ones that are just a tiny bit off like you can with their other clothes. But it really is important to make sure their shoes fit correctly. Badly fitting shoes can damage the development of the foot and affect the way they walk – which can cause injuries in other areas of the leg, knee, hip… you name it. Get their feet measured regularly, choose shoes that are comfortable and easy to move around in, and ones with non-slip soles that can help reduce the likelihood of falls.
Good luck, parents!
References
1. American Academy of Paediatrics. 2015. Backpack safety. [Onlinehttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Backpack-safety.aspx#:~:text=1%20Always%20use%20both%20shoulder%20straps.%20Slinging%20a,up%20the%20muscles%20used%20to%20carry%20a%20backpack. [Accessed 14 December 2021]
Upload : 23 January 2022
