Good Posture Starts Now!

Posted on 04. Mar, 2009 by The-Cute-Kid Photo Contest in Acting, Dancing, Model & Actor Tips, Parenting, Photo Techniques, Singing, Toddlers, Tweens

Does posture really matter?

“Yes,” says Jeffrey Bergin Dean of Clinics at the National University of Health
Sciences in Lombard. “Many children are suffering from chronic pain in the hands, neck
and shoulders, as well as repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Many of these ailments can be prevented and eliminated with proper attention to posture,
correct backpack use and attention to how and how long children sit at computer stations.
“Poor posture can also cause bones to grow abnormally. Good posture ensures that
the least strain is placed on muscles and ligaments. According to Spine Universe.com
having good posture prevents muscle fatigue and backaches, decreases wear on joints,
ligaments, and bones, and contributes to a good appearance.

So what is good posture?
Posture is how a person holds their body when not only
standing but when sitting or laying down. It requires a person to balance their
muscle along their spine, have good muscle flexibility, and normal motion in the
joints. Those who have good posture are aware of their posture and correct it when
wrong. Posture comes from a combination of good muscle control, strength, and self-confidence.
Those with good posture walk and sit with their back straight, shoulders back, and head high.

What are the common posture problems?
Improper wearing of backpacks causes many back problems in children. Children, who spend a
lot of time at the computer, watching television, or playing video games, often have poor
posture. Slouching while walking or eating is also common.

What is proper backpack use?
Make sure that your child backpack weighs no more than 10% of his body weight. Make sure that
your child’s backpack does not hang more than four inches below the waist. If it does, tighten
the straps. Also it is important to use both straps. Although not cool it prevents neck and
back pain.

What if my child slouches while using or viewing media?
If your child slouches while using the computer, providing desk and chair of the right size
would be one of the ideal posture correctors. Their feet should touch the floor. Have them put
their back against the chair and use a pillow if extra support is needed. If they do use an
adult chair give them a stool for their feet and support their back with pillows. Dr. Kristine
Fortuna, a professor in the orthopedic department at Temple University, also recommends
that, “Children should sit in front of a video game or television for no more than
20 minutes at most.” Then your child should take a walking break.

How do I teach my child good posture?

Be a good example. Demonstrate good and bad posture. Point out people who
have good posture. Comment on when your posture is good or bad.

Remind. If your child is slouching remind your child to stand up
straight and put her shoulders back as an important posture corrector.

Make it a game. Matthew Goodemote, radio host of Back Talk, says, “Start off by
asking your children: Who can sit slouched? Who can sit tall? To practice sitting slouched,
round the back as much as possible and let the chest sink. To practice sitting tall, rock the
pelvis forward and lift the chest up. This posture corrector teaches the child to recognize
the difference between “good” and “bad” posture, without labeling it good or bad. This helps
them learn how to control their posture automatically.”

Imagine a balloon is lifting you up. It isn’t always easy to explain what good
posture is so Goodemote tells parents to “ask the child to imagine their heads being lifted
by a balloon. Then describe how the balloon rises up and pulls their bodies up, but does not
lift their feet off the ground. Most kids know that balloons fly up into the air and can
imagine themselves being lifted up. This helps them straighten up without having to know
what good posture is.”

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