End Childhood Ear Infections

Chiropractic adjustments effectively realign the bones of the head, neck and back.  Adjusting mild subluxations in the back of the skull or neck can help fluid drain from the middle ear and make a huge difference for a child who suffers from ear infections.

Recently, I wrote the article, "End Childhood Ear Infections," for the March 2013 issue of Lacamas Magazine. If yours or a child you know struggles with ear infections, please pass along this article.  This article could dramatically change a life.

Best in health, naturally,
Dr. Marc

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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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