Kids
Korner 
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| Dr.Trudell
with her nieces and nephews at the office | Dr.
Trudell adjusting a young patient |  |
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| Dr.
Ryan adjusting his daughter Lilli | Dr.
Ryan adjusting his son Will |
It seems as though more children are getting ear infections
these days, and with the rise of complications from antibiotic resistant bacteria
due to the overuse of antibiotics, many parents are searching for safer alternatives.
Normal position and function of the eustachian tube allows drainage of fluids
produced by the middle ear and equalizes pressure between the ear and outside
environment. When function is impaired, the ear canal does not drain properly,
and children are more susceptible to infection. Common symptoms are pulling at
ears, redness, fever and irritability. These symptoms are also common with allergies,
colds, upper respiratory infections and teething due to increased inflammation
and mucus production. Here are some things that you can do:
1.
Natural ear drops, containing garlic, mullein and olive oil.
2. Massage head
and neck, stroking from behind the ear to the collarbone.
3. Tea tree oil
massaged into the mastoid process (bump on head behind the ear)
4. A breastfeeding
mother can take a multivitamin, fish oil and other antioxidants to help support
the baby’s immune system
5. Nursing mothers should eliminate dairy, sugar,
grains and high fructose corn syrup, as these foods can lead to increased congestion
and inflammation in the baby
6. Breastfeeding is best, otherwise use a non-soy
formula with EPA/DHA
7. Chiropractic and cranial adjustments help restore proper
function of the ear canal and boost your child’s immune system.
For more
information on chiropractic and ear infections, please visit the International
Chiropractic Pediatric Association website at icpa4kids.org. Dr. Brenda
Trudell Back to top  |
| Dr.
Ryan adjusting his baby daughter, Maddie |
Young children are suffering from
back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of heavy backpacks
is a contributing factor. Heavy packs can cause a child to hyperextend, or arch,
his or her back, or lean the neck and trunk forward to compensate for the weight
of the bag. These postures can stress the muscles in the neck and back, increasing
the risk of injury and fatigue. The natural curves in the middle and lower back
can become distorted, which can cause irritation to the spine joints and the rib
cage. A rounding of the shoulders could also result if a back has to compensate
for a heavy load. Wearing a backpack on one shoulder may cause a child to
lean to one side in order to compensate for the extra weight. The middle back,
ribs and lower back can become stressed on the side of the body opposite of where
the backpack is placed. Carrying the pack on one shoulder may also cause upper
back pain and a strain in the shoulders and neck. There are methods for
preventing posture problems and other conditions associated with toting a heavy
backpack. The first is to limit the weight of the backpack. Many physicians feel
that backpack loads become a health problem when they reach 20 pounds or more.
The American Physical Therapy Association recommends that children carry backpacks
of no more than 15 percent of their body weight - less than that is even better.
For example, a child weighing 50 pounds should carry no more than 7.5 pounds in
their backpack; children weighing 100 pounds should carry no more than 15 pounds
on their back; and children and adolescents weighing 150 pounds should not carry
more than 22.5 pounds.
It is important to start with a lightweight
backpack that will not add much weight to the load carried inside. The width should
not be greater than that of the child's torso. Two wide, padded shoulder straps
are important in helping the child carry the pack without pain. Look for shoulder
straps that are at least two inches wide. In addition, a waist strap can distribute
the weight of a heavy backpack more evenly. A padded back protects against sharp
edges on objects inside the pack.
Most importantly, encourage your child
to tell you about any pain or discomfort caused by a heavy backpack. If you find
that your child is struggling to get his backpack on or off, has back pain, has
to lean forward to carry his bag, or has numbness or weakness in the arms and
legs, it is important to speak with your child's chiropractor as soon as possible.
Another way to help prevent back injury that could result from carrying
a heavy backpack is to exercise, particularly strengthening the stabilizing muscles
of the torso, including the lower back and abdominal muscles. Enjoyable activities
such as yoga and tai-chi can be effective in strengthening those muscles. Back
to top New Beginnings
Chiropractic
1861 Business Hwy 18/151 East
Mt Horeb, WI 53572
info@newbeginningschiropractic.net
Located in the North Cape Commons next to Subway and Strand's Salon
phone
437-9990 fax 437-9992 | 
