Chiropractors offer advice on kids’ back health Here are some healthy tips offered to you by the American Chiropractic Medical Group:

Chiropractors offer advice on kids’ back health Here are some healthy tips offered to you by the American Chiropractic Medical Group:

•Use an approved car seat that supports your baby’s head and neck. Most states require the use of car seats for children under the age of 4 and weighing less than 40 pounds. Make sure the child’s safety seat is appropriate for their age and size. A newborn infant requires a different seat than a 3-year-old toddler.

•Provide a firm bed for your child. When choosing a mattress, look for one that is comfortably supportive. "Selective support" allows you to press down one area of the mattress, leaving other areas unaffected.

•Be selective when choosing a pillow for your older children. A pillow should not be so thick that it causes your child’s head and neck to be propped up or angled sharply away from their body.

•Make sure the straps of your child’s backpack are padded and worn over both shoulders, not just one. Also, the contents of the backpack should not weigh more than 5 to 10 percent of your child’s body weight.

•Be sure your child’s workstation is ergonomically designed for his or her size. Most workstations are fitted for adults in the family. Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below the child’s eye level, and make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. Place a footrest or box under the feet.

•If your child is involved in sports, make sure all equipment, including helmets, pads and shoes, fit your child properly. If your teenage child is involved in soccer, make sure they are taught how to "head" the ball properly. A young child should not use the heading technique at all, according to ACA experts.

•Make sure your child has enough calcium included in his or her diet. ACA recommends 1 percent or skim milk for children over 2 years old, and whole milk for those younger than 2. The calcium in milk is essential for healthy bones and reduces the risk of joint and muscular-related injuries.

•Make sure your child avoids sugar-loaded, caffeinated and carbonated drinks. Rather, encourage them to drink plenty of water. Caffeine can dehydrate your youngster, and the high levels of phosphorus in sodas and other carbonated beverages can interfere with calcium absorption – a problem that could lead to osteoporosis down the road.

•Finally, make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet and gets plenty of rest. Consult with your chiropractor about supplements that might be appropriate for your child’s stages of growth.

For more information about disorders of the back or spine, contact your local chiropractor. This article provided courtesy of Eric Blum, D.C.