“t takes a village
i
to raise a child.”
What about when kids aren’t active
and not moving their bodies?
Children are spending more and more time
using tablets and smart phones. This has
significantly increased the incidence of neck
and back pain complaints being addressed
by the pediatric chiropractor. Often kids end
up in a hunching position with forward neck
posture that leads to cervical (neck) strain
and misalignment of the vertebrae. A prolonged
time in this posture flattens the cervical
curvature and significantly increases the load
on the neck and shoulders. This also results
in stress on the nervous system and interferes
with the brain’s ability to communicate
with the body.
Since we don’t expect tablet and smartphone
use to decrease any time soon, we need
to look at preventative and proactive ways
to maintain a healthy posture, proper
alignment and movement.
HERE IS A LIST OF DO’S WHEN IT
COMES TO MOBILE ELECTRONIC
DEVICE USE:
• how your child how to sit comfortably
S
with good posture - two feet on the floor
and back well supported.
• lace a pillow on the child’s lap, so he
P
or she can rest their arms on the pillow
supporting the tablet in a comfortable
position, enabling them to use the device
without hunching forward or looking
down. (Or sit at a table when possible.)
• or every 30 minutes on the device there
F
should be a 30 minute break where the
activity becomes one of full body movement.
Look for activities that use and strengthen
core muscles.
• se a wireless keyboard when typing on
U
a tablet, propping the screen up so it can
be seen at eye level or just below.
• onsider having your child sit on an
C
exercise ball while using the device.
A dynamic surface can encourage
children to use their trunk muscles and
promote proper posture.
Posture and alignment reveal valuable
information about the health, f չ