Headaches In Kids
Continuing our discussions on pediatrics, one thing that can happen and does happen is pediatric headaches.
Aside from a medical issue, I’m to go over what are in my experience the most common causes of headaches in kids.
These are the amount of time interacting with technology (cell phones, tablets, computers), posture when interacting with technology, eyes strain and improper use of backpacks.
If your kids do complain of headaches (or even if they don’t for that matter), here is a checklist for all parents.
After all the homework is done, set a reasonable limit for how much time your kids spend on all devices for leisure/entertainment. Sixty or 90 minutes per day has been shown to be safe.
Remember that a lot of kids do not get enough exercise or enough greenspace time. This is what we covered in our last post and if you haven’t seen it yet, you can scroll down and check it out right here. They need more exercise and greenspace time, and less screen time.
Instruct your children to always be mindful of their posture when interacting with any form of technology.
Make sure they have eyes up, chin up and look straight ahead at whatever screen it may be. Looking down at screens for hours day after day is guaranteed to result in forward head posture/tech neck which we already know is not good for your health.
All screens emit what is called blue light which can be very irritating to the eyes and hyper- stimulate the brain tissue resulting in headaches. Blue blocker glasses are an effective and inexpensive way to prevent this from happening.
And improper use of a backpack; this one is a biggie.
Remember that backpacks should be worn evenly over both shoulders, the backpack itself should lie against the middle of your child’s back, should be secured around the waist with the waist strap and should not exceed 15% of your child’s body weight.
So, if your child weighs 100 pounds, the backpack when loaded should not exceed 15 pounds. And the heaviest items should be placed in first so that they lie directly against your child’s back.
We are going to dig a little deeper into this next time but I’d like to inform you that the month of May is Posture Awareness Month.
Life Chiropractic Centre will be offering complimentary posture checks for children and adults of all ages for the entire month of May.
There is no obligation on your part; the posture checks are to make you aware if there are any potential issues with you or any of your children. If you wish to proceed any further, the decision is totally up to you.
905 335 LIFE (5433) is the number to call to schedule an appointment for you and your family for a complimentary posture check.
Aside from a medical issue, I’m to go over what are in my experience the most common causes of headaches in kids.
These are the amount of time interacting with technology (cell phones, tablets, computers), posture when interacting with technology, eyes strain and improper use of backpacks.
If your kids do complain of headaches (or even if they don’t for that matter), here is a checklist for all parents.
After all the homework is done, set a reasonable limit for how much time your kids spend on all devices for leisure/entertainment. Sixty or 90 minutes per day has been shown to be safe.
Remember that a lot of kids do not get enough exercise or enough greenspace time. This is what we covered in our last post and if you haven’t seen it yet, you can scroll down and check it out right here. They need more exercise and greenspace time, and less screen time.
Instruct your children to always be mindful of their posture when interacting with any form of technology.
Make sure they have eyes up, chin up and look straight ahead at whatever screen it may be. Looking down at screens for hours day after day is guaranteed to result in forward head posture/tech neck which we already know is not good for your health.
All screens emit what is called blue light which can be very irritating to the eyes and hyper- stimulate the brain tissue resulting in headaches. Blue blocker glasses are an effective and inexpensive way to prevent this from happening.
And improper use of a backpack; this one is a biggie.
Remember that backpacks should be worn evenly over both shoulders, the backpack itself should lie against the middle of your child’s back, should be secured around the waist with the waist strap and should not exceed 15% of your child’s body weight.
So, if your child weighs 100 pounds, the backpack when loaded should not exceed 15 pounds. And the heaviest items should be placed in first so that they lie directly against your child’s back.
We are going to dig a little deeper into this next time but I’d like to inform you that the month of May is Posture Awareness Month.
Life Chiropractic Centre will be offering complimentary posture checks for children and adults of all ages for the entire month of May.
There is no obligation on your part; the posture checks are to make you aware if there are any potential issues with you or any of your children. If you wish to proceed any further, the decision is totally up to you.
905 335 LIFE (5433) is the number to call to schedule an appointment for you and your family for a complimentary posture check.