August is here and back to school time is just around the corner. Is your child ready for a healthy start to the new year? We put together our top five tips to help ensure your child stays healthy and is able to focus on learning.
Sleep Schedules
Most parents will say this is one of the hardest routines to establish after a summer full of late nights and later mornings. However, if your child is not getting the amount of sleep he or she needs, they may not be functioning as well as they could- either inside the classroom or at home. Studies show that a child who is not getting proper amounts of rest experiences a decreased attention span, is unable to react to signals and retain new information.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends children ages 5-10 get 10-11 hours of sleep each night to increase their cognitive abilities and decrease behavioral issues. Though it is difficult to fall back into a sleep schedule and enforce nightly bedtime, it will greatly improve your child’s chances of success this school year.
Nutrition
If your summer was full of juice boxes and Popsicles, it may be a challenge to make the switch over to healthy school lunches. Be sure you are selecting items that represent a variety of nutrients from across the food groups., and avoid processed foods that are full of sugar and devoid of nutrients.
Also, ensure your student is not skipping out on breakfast as studies show a direct link between nutrition and a child’s ability to learn.
Shoes Matter
Although flip flops and high heels may be what your child loves, the fact is they are not what the feet need to properly support the body. When the foot is not properly supported, it can cause a shift in body weight that can mess up the alignment of the entire body. Proper footwear will be supportive around the heel, leave room for the toes to move, and be flexible at the ball of the foot.
Backpack 101
The American Chiropractic Association recommends a fully loaded backpack not be more than 10% of the child’s weight, and not be wider or longer than their torso. The backpack should also not hang more than 4 inches below the waist, and have padded back and shoulder straps for added comfort.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Along with all the school supplies and clothing shopping, be sure sure to schedule a chiropractic check up for your child to achieve a healthy nervous system, and alleviate any discomfort they may be feeling. Chiropractic care also helps your child fight germs faster and supports a sound mind-body connection. Parents who have their children regularly adjusted often notice less complaints about ear aches, congestion, bowel issues, sleep issues and some even notice their child’s behavior improve when under the care of a chiropractor.
Recent studies revealed that children experienced added health benefits beyond what they came in for. Some of the most common benefits included improved function of the immune system, better sleep, and less moodiness in the children treated.
Before school is in full swing for your child, call Dr. Knight to see how he can help set them up for a successful school year!