Starting the school year ON THE RIGHT FOOT

The return of the school year always brings such mixed emotion… trepidation, excitement, relief and that’s just the parents of school kids!

We prepare on so many levels but have you considered your child’s posture before the start of the school year?

The school holidays have been long for some parents, and with the rise of technology use for some kids they may need “unfolding” from iPad posture.

Do they sit slumped with their spine and head make a C shape as they cradle their precious console? This posture can lead to changes in breathing and digestive issues; a recent study found students in a “slouched position experience increased feelings of depression and decreased energy levels”. Studies also show links between good posture and memory retention when learning.

If I just described your child’s posture, they may need an osteopathic assessment to give the child some things to look for in regard to their muscular and postural control.

A good-fitting supportive backpack isn’t the coolest, but is beneficial for your child’s spine. The straps need to be thick and worn on both shoulders. The bottom of the bag should sit at the waist and use the lumbar strap if available.

Pack as lightly as possible (easier said than done with homework) but it should never weigh more than 10-20 per cent of your child’s weight.

There are many sized bags around, find the right fit for your child.

School shoes can be a test of wills between the cool shoes they want and supportive shoes they need. It should fit snuggly (no sliding); firm around the heel but soft around the Achilles, with good arch support. The shoe itself shouldn’t be able to be folded in half.

Look at footwear from the previous year and if it’s been worn unevenly on the heel it may indicate lack of support, they weren’t fitted correctly or there’s a biomechanical issue and assessment from a Podiatrist or Osteopath could help.

There’s a lot to organise with returning to school, and starting with the child’s body is a good foundation.

Dr Erin Coffey is an osteopath at the Health Creation Centre in Ocean Grove.