'Help Color a Child's World' and get your first visit FREE!

Since 2010, Davis Family Chiropractic has partnered with elementary schools in the Vancouver area to provide school children with the supplies they need for back to school.  Thanks to our wonderful patients and friends, we've had a tremendous outpouring of support for this great cause.  This year, we're hoping to offer the same and more, to students in the area who are in need. 

In exchange for your support, and to say thank you, Davis Family Chiropractic is offering a free first visit (to include an in-depth check up, computerized scans and onsite x-rays, if necessary) through August 31st.  We are also accepting a bag of socks or underwear as well, in exchange for your first visit. 

You can help promote this cause by bringing in school supplies or by passing along this blog post url or by 'liking' the post on Facebook for others to see and use.

Click coupon to enlarge and print

Thanks for helping us

Color a Child's World!

Davis Family Chiropractic and Massage, PLLC

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Backpack Safety: Pack Right, Avoid Injury

Each year, I remind my patients to be mindful of the load they or their child is carrying on their back.  Backpack safety has grown to such a level of concern that school districts, hospitals and experts are warning against the potential hazards that can come when carrying too much weight on one's back.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 6,512 emergency room visits each year result from injuries related to book bags, while backpack-related injuries are up 256 percent since 1996.

Last year, backpacksafety.com conducted an online survey of more than 200 chiropractors, and this is what was found:

• 89 percent of chiropractors surveyed responded that they have seen patients (ages 5-18) reporting back, neck or shoulder pain caused by heavy backpacks.

• 71 percent of chiropractors presently seeing such patients responded that they are currently seeing one to four patients (ages 5-18) reporting back, neck or shoulder pain caused by heavy backpacks.

• 20 percent of chiropractors presently seeing such patients responded that they are currently seeing five to nine patients (ages 5-18) reporting back, neck or shoulder pain caused by heavy backpacks.

• 9 percent of chiropractors presently seeing such patients responded that they are currently seeing 10 or more patients (ages 5-18) due to back, neck or shoulder caused by heavy backpacks.

The implications of heavy backpacks are real, and are taking a toll.

Dr. Davis' Tips For Backpack Safety (according to the American Chiropractic Association):

1. Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 10% of their body weight.  This will prevent you or your child from slouching forward while carrying their backpack.
2. Backpacks should be worn over both shoulders.
3. Backpacks should be adjustable, positioned square on the back, close to the body, with the bulk of the weight at the waist. 
4. Minimize what is carried in the backpack.
5. Backpacks should have wide shoulder straps to help carry weight effectively.
6. When backpack has a waist strap--use it.
   
   
   Best in health, naturally,
   Dr. Marc
   
   
   
   
   
   
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Is Your Child's Backpack Safe?

Now that it's back to school, have you noticed your child's backpack and what he or she may be carrying?  Have you ever thought about the safety of your back while you are toting your books and belongings to school or work?  Or do you rarely give second thought to carrying those extra pounds on your back?

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine researched children and back pain associated with backpacks and concluded information that shouldn't go ignored.

In a test of ten students, boys and girls, thirteen years of age, backpacks were fitted to each student with pressure sensors to test them carrying 10%, 20% and 30% of each of their body weight for 30 seconds.  With each increase in weight, were increased pain levels.  According to UCSD, studies have shown that children commonly carry 22% of their body weight on their back, which can be attributed to

• Posture change
• Spine curvature
• Back pain
• Shoulder pain

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) annual estimates "there are nearly 7,500 emergency room visits due to injuries related to backpacks or book bags" (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2004). 

Now, to answer yesterday's Quiz Question From the Doc :

Q: As a rule of thumb, what percent of a child's body weight is the recommended safe weight limit for that child's full backpack?

A: According to Backpack Safety America, the recommended safe weight limit for a child's full backpack is up to 10% of a child's body weight.

Tips for backpack safety:

1. Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 10% of their body weight.  This will prevent your child from slouching forward while carrying their backpack.
2. Backpacks should be worn over both shoulders.
3. Backpacks should be positioned square on the back, close to the body, with the bulk of the weight at the waist.
4. Minimize what is carried in the backpack.
5. Backpacks should have wide shoulder straps to help carry weight effectively.
6. When backpack has a waist strap--use it.

Best in health, naturally,

Dr. Marc

ucsd study

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A Doubled Success

Friends and Patients,

Our 'Help Color a Child's World,' Back to School Drive was a huge success thanks to you!  With your help we brought in over 20 bags of supplies and 12 back backs.  The kids at Hearthwood Elementary will be benefiting from your generosity.  Shawn Renee, from Hearthwood Elementary, stated the need has doubled this year compared to last year.

2011

Thanks again for making it a success.

Best in health naturally,

Dr. Marc

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Help COLOR a Child's World!

Can you believe we're about a third done with August?  Summer seems to be hit and miss around here, but the beginning of the school year is definitely around the corner.

Since 2010, Davis Family Chiropractic has partnered with elementary schools in the Vancouver area to provide school children with the supplies they need for back to school.  Last year we had a tremendous outpour from Davis Family Chiropractic patients, friends and family.  This year, we're hoping to offer the same and more, to students in the area who are in need. 

In exchange for your support, and to say thank you, Davis Family Chiropractic is offering a free first visit (to include an in-depth check up, computerized scans and onsite x-rays, if necessary) for the month of August.  We are also accepting a bag of socks or underwear as well, in exchange for your first visit. 

You can help promote this cause by bringing in school supplies or by passing along this blog post url or by 'liking' the post on Facebook for others to see and use.

Click coupon to enlarge and print

Thanks for helping us

"Color a Child's World!"

top image credit

Read more...