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A lesson in good health
AS thousands of children head back to school for the new school term, chartered physiotherapists in paediatric care say it is the perfect time for pupils to turn over a new leaf by taking their health as seriously as their studies.
Paediatric physiotherapists fear children are still not getting the message about the impact certain practices can have on their health, which can also affect them in adulthood.
To help ward off the dangers facing young people today, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has produced some
"top tips" to help children receive top marks in gaining good health.
Janice Clark, chartered paediatric physiotherapist who co-authored the guide, says:-
"Children are still undertaking less physical exercise and continue to over-indulge on sweets, fizzy drinks and junk food meals.
Playing computer games is still a popular "sport" for young people with few opting for fun on your feet games. Many are still lacking knowledge about the dangers of obesity and the nutritional values of food, and know little about good, simple ergonomics - such as how to sit when at a computer or when doing homework.
Children's lack of physical activity is fuelled by parents' fear for their safety while walking to and from school, or to friends' houses, or playing outside. This could be a result of busy roads or worries about keeping them safe from harm. Junk food advertising and too much TV isn't helping the situation.
Parents are in need of awareness of their own lifestyles and the effect it can have on their children.
The pace of life is faster for many who juggle work and home life. There may be not enough hours in the day to walk your child to school, cook a balanced meal every night and plan physical activities for the family." Clark continues.
"In addition, there is a lot of peer pressure and competition among children to be the best, look the best or have the best. Some children find it hard to try out activities and sports that are new to them for the fear of failing or being seen by others as not being good enough to join. Children who are already overweight can have poor self-esteem which in itself can prevent them joining in with activities like swimming and
gymnastics."
Poor knowledge about safe and efficient movement and taking care of your body while it is growing and developing can cause injuries, stresses and strains leading to poor posture, pain and early degeneration processes.
Obesity can lead to problems with mobility, back pain, osteoarthritis, heart disease, kidney and liver problems, poor motivation and low self-esteem. Paediatric physiotherapists are very concerned about the rising numbers of children and young adults being referred to them with such problems - often after the damage has been done, and are urging parents and children to take notice of the advice in the guide.
Janice says:- "These problems are preventable. Physiotherapists can assist in prevention strategies by working with other health professionals, educationalists and parents to get the message across about the dangers of obesity and being inactive. They can input on health promotion work in schools and in the community to ensure that they communicate with children and parents and educate them on the dangers of leading unhealthy lifestyles. Early intervention, by taking on board the information from the CSP's
"top tips" guide, may assist with prevention before obesity, inactivity or back pain becomes a health
problem."
For a free copies of 'Back to School with Top Health Tips' go to www.csp.org.uk
or call 020 7306 6666.
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HERE COMES THE SUN FLOWER!
THE recent spell of bad weather has done little to hamper the growth of sunflowers at a residential care facility in Southport.
For the last few weeks, staff at the Centre in Norwood Road, run by Henshaws Society for Blind People, has been competing to see who can grow the tallest sunflower in the Centre's garden.
The results are now in, measurements having been verified by the Centre's Catering Manager Phil Paterson (pictured), who braved the wind and rain in the quest to find a frontrunner.
The lucky winner was Pam Blackley, whose sunflower measured an impressive 99 inches.
There was also a 'best dressed' sunflower award, judged by young Calum Nichol, grandson of staff member Heather Nichol. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he chose Janet Lambert's creation, which was decorated with sweets and lollypops!
The staff and residents celebrated everyone's success with a buffet and karaoke session, led by master of ceremonies Phil Paterson.
Henshaws Southport Centre provides residential care for 43 visually impaired residents, in self contained flats. It also provides short-term care and intermediate care for visually impaired people who require a specialised programme of rehabilitation.
The garden which helped to nurture the sunflowers so successfully offers rest and relaxation for residents, as well as place where they can walk and exercise.
As well as meeting the daily needs of residents, staff at the Centre promote independence and strives to create an atmosphere that encourages residents to become just that.
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