Archive for Childrens Health Issues
As a Cincinnati chiropractor I am well-aware of the toll that lack of exercise and excess weight takes on the musculoskeletal system over time. I see adverse effects such as wear and tear on knee and hip joints and shifts in the skeletal frame, especially the back, and weak muscle structure in many of my patients. If you have been reading my blogs, then you already know that I am a tireless advocate for the extraordinary health benefits of good nutrition and exercise. I have noted in my years of practice that many good habits, such as healthy nutrition and daily exercise, start early in a person’s life. And, of course, the same is true for bad habits, such as eating processed food, junk food, and too much food in general, as well as not getting enough exercise. Many children today are developing bad habits quickly, and it seems to me that there is not enough adult encouragement to change them.
I don’t know about you, but as a kid I was not only encouraged to eat my vegetables, such eating was mandatory if I wanted to be excused from the table. And, as far as exercise went, I walked to school or road my bike whenever the weather permitted. And, I wasn’t the only one. Did you know that in 1969, nearly 50 percent of children walked or biked to school? And, that percentage increased greatly the closer the children lived to school. In fact, 87 percent of kids living within one mile walked or biked to school! But, not these days. According to Safe Routes to School (SRTS) (a network of nonprofits, government agencies, and schools supporting a movement to encourage kids to walk to school) fewer than 15 percent of children today walk or bike to school!
The ramifications of this shift are that kids today are less active, less independent, and less healthy. In addition, many children are overweight or obese. Could walking to school make such a difference? Yes, according to one recent study that found that children ages 10 to 13 who walked to school daily were 80 per cent less likely to be obese than those who rode to school.
Are children today lazier or just plain spoiled? Do they sleep in more than we did as kids and start out for school too late to walk? Not necessarily. The main reason cited for this lack of simple exercise was safety. Not all neighborhoods have designated bike routes or sidewalks. Walking to school can be dangerous where there are no sidewalks and, in addition, many parents encourage their children to ride their bikes on sidewalks because they feel they are safer than riding with traffic. Social environment was another factor cited as a major concern to parents. But, where these concerns do not exist, it is important for parents to encourage their children to walk to school or ride a bike. Healthy childhood habits more often than not turn into healthy adult habits that, in turn, are beneficial to the entire body, from healthy organ function to a strong musculoskeletal system! (But, be sure to check the size and weight of those backpacks!)
To read more about safe routes to school, go to: saferoutespartnership.org
8035 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45231 Cincinnati, OH, 45231 USA
dr.kimberlywells@gmail.com • 513-522-3600
As a concerned parent and chiropractor in Cincinnati, I keep abreast of the latest news relating to the health of children.The adverse effects of pharmaceuticals has been well-documented, and many parents like me are concerned. Today, when given a medical prescription for their child’s recurrent problem, more and more moms and dads are asking, “Is this really all I can do for my child? Isn’t there a safer alternative?” I can confidently say that the answer is “Yes” and chiropractic care is that alternative!
Parents don’t want to mask their child’s symptoms with pharmaceuticals, and for good reason. Moms and dads are far more “drug-savvy” than they used to be, especially when it comes to their children. They are more aware and more worried about harmful side effects. Today, parents are seeking out health care options for their children that encourage and support their child’s natural ability to be healthy.
Chiropractic care is an excellent option because it stimulates a child’s nervous system, including the immune system, to function at peak performance. Children are just plain healthier when their autoimmune system is functioning optimally. As far as a child’s health is concerned, “the best offense is a good defense.” Children are exposed to such an abundance of health-endangering illnesses every day that it would be impossible to immunize them against them all, even if there were such immunization available. As your Cincinnati Chiropractor and as a mother I have both education and experience with colds, sore throats, ear infections, fevers, colic, asthma, tonsillitis, allergies, bed-wetting, infections, pains, falls, stomach-aches, and the hundred and one little (and big) things children go through as they grow up.
The amazing thing is that almost every illnesses that affects children is avoidable! Chiropractic care aids in removing interferences to the inherent healing power that runs through your child’s body. When that healing ability is unleashed, the changes that take place may often be profound.
In addition, a well-adjusted child (one who sees a chiropractor on a regular basis) is less likely to be injured at play or in sports. And, as an added plus, children who receive regular chiropractic care don’t seem to experience as many “growing pains” as other children.
You may be thinking to yourself, “Wow, can chiropractic care really do all that!?” The truth is that chiropractic doesn’t “do” anything more than help your child to “do what comes naturally,” which is to be strong and healthy. I believe that all children have the right to manifest their fullest potential on every level. If you have questions about your child’s health, call me, Dr. Kimberly Wells, your Cincinnati Chiropractor and get and answers you need.
