Posture

"My son is growing so fast and is very tall, but I'm worried about his posture. He's always playing with his gadgets and he always seems to be slouching. Should I be worried?"

The Spine: a quick Anatomy lesson

The spine consists of bones called vertebrae, which make the framework supporting the entire body. The spine has two natural curves. In the lower back region there is a hollow curve termed Lordosis and in the upper back / neck region there is the rounded curve termed Kyphosis. If curves are excessive they get the term hyper; Hyper-Kyphosis (round back) and Hyper-Lordosis (sway back). There’s also Scoliosis which is a lateral curve of the
spine.

Kids Today 'Sit' too much
When you sit in fixed positions for prolonged periods of time your body will adapt. Supportive muscles at the back get weak, healthy muscles in the front of your body get tight, the joints in your lower back and neck get stiff. So I'm saying "Yes, sitting with gadgets is related to bad posture."

When do kids sit?
I look at kids today and see them all glued to PlayStation, xBox, PSP, iPhones, iPads, Laptop, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, watching Cable TV. Lets be honest, it's not just kids, we do it too. We are attached to our gadgets all day. Don't try to pull your kids away from these gadgets let them use them because we do as well.

So What?
So rather than worrying every time your child is slouching or going into panic when the doctor says your son has Scoliosis just try to modify your child's daily activities. Support your child to join in sporting activities in or out of school. Tennis, swimming, soccer cycling, or even running around outside is enough.

Physical activities will strengthen important muscles for a developing healthy spine and body. In fact, you urban Mama probably need to detach from your gadgets and get outside too. Why not bond with your kids at the same time you are exercising with them. It's healthy for the both of you, you will be ‘closer with your kids, and it’s fun.

When to worry
If your child’s posture really is becoming a problem it is a good idea to seek professional advice. Start with your GP and perhaps he will make the right referral and further diagnostic testing may be needed. For now don't worry, try getting your child outdoors and shift their sitting lifestyle to an active lifestyle.

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image from here