Ring a ding-ding… Can you hear it? That’s the sound of school bells everywhere, chiming loud for all to hear because school is BACK in session.

 

Very often, the end of the summer break and the start of a new school year brings about great motivation and a desire to take care of everything unfinished before the holiday season sneaks up on us. Kids are packing up their backpacks and adults are gearing up for the last quarter-push at work - it’s exciting!


And at Dr. Gena Chiropractic, your favorite family chiropractor in Plantation, we, too, can feel the energy and excitement - and we love it.


But as it is our duty to keep you and your family well, there are a few things about back-to-school season that ring true for families everywhere. Things that can affect the health of your nervous system, your child’s nervous system, and potentially bring a little dis-ease to your well-being during such a hectic time of year.


How?


If we think about daily lifestyle factors that we tend to return to around this time of year, it’s easy to see how they impact our bodies and the bodies of our children.


The first issue to explore are backpacks. The bigger the kid, the bigger their backpacks seem to grow. All of those books and supplies are great for their educational experience, but no so great on their spines. Dr. Gena’s favorite backpack-wearing tips?

Aside from using both straps, Dr. Gena always advises the following:


  • Lighten the load in the back by holding some heavy textbooks in the front. Better to split the weight evenly than keep it all on the back of your child.

  • Encourage your child to stand up tall and stretch once they remove their backpack.

  • Consider a rolling bag – this may not be your child’s preferred mode of storing supplies, but it may be the safest opportunity for them to transport their books.


While most of us adults have traded the backpacks for purses and/or briefcases, that doesn’t mean we are in the clear when it comes to unnecessary strain on the spine. 


The next issue we see people struggling with is pain from poor posture when using laptops, iPads and cell phones. We’re a society hooked on technology, and while technology is a super impactful part of live, it’s a real pain in the neck! 

Tips to avoid the tech-neck strain?:


  • Sit at an adjustable desk specially designed for use with computers.

  • Have the computer monitor (screen) either at eye level or slightly higher.

  • Have your keyboard at a height that lets your elbows rest comfortably at your sides. Your forearms should be roughly parallel with the floor and level with the keyboard.


The last issue we always like to ensure is that you’re paying attention to is your emotional health. Busy times can be stressful times - and this can play a big role in how you’re feeling, functioning, and keeping up with your tasks. Think of it like this - the more stress you have, the more your health will begin to decline, whether you realize it or not.


Stress causes subluxations-interference in the nervous system, affecting how the body functions. This creates an imbalance in how our nerves perform, affecting our health in ways we may not notice for years to come. And in the case of physical trauma, studies show that the weight of a dime is all the pressure it takes to decrease the function of a nerve by 60%. Studies also reveal that a 6% stretch of the nerve decreases its function by 70%. We learn it doesn’t take much pressure or pulling on the nerves to severely interfere with its function.


The good news?


The chiropractors at Dr. Gena Chiropractic are dedicated and devoted to the well-being of your family and we want you to enjoy this last part of 2019 in great health! You deserve it, your children deserve it, and your family deserves to live their best and healthiest lives.


Visit us today for more information at our Plantation office, just minutes west of Fort Lauderdale.


Your health is in your hands, but our hands are here to help!



Locations

Office Hours

Monday

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday

Closed

Saturday

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Sunday

Closed

Monday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Sunday
Closed