BACK TO SCHOOL

The week that parents delight and children dread.

It is also a time to make a  few changes in your school day routines.  Two things that you might want to look at are your child’s nutrition to re emphasize healthy eating patterns and the wearing of back packs.

Starting the day with breakfast is always a good way to begin.  We know that kids wake up late and often rush out of the house so here are a few suggestions to get a quick but healthy breakfast:

First keep in mind that carbs do not provide that sustained energy that lasts all morning to get your child to lunchtime without hunger.  So include a source of protein in your child’s breakfast and they will be happier AND more productive at school.

1 Instant breakfast drinks mixed with milk[even soy milk or rice milk are acceptable]

2 Peanut butter on a bagel or bread is also a great easy start

3 Eggs including a hard boiled egg is an easy and inexpensive way to walk out the door

4 Yogurt especially mixed with granola or another cereal

Back to school may be especially hard on backs.  When children and teens get those heavy textbooks along with all the rest of the stuff they carry back strain may cause problems.

When an improperly filled backpack sits on the shoulders the weight may pull the back downwards.   This may cause strain on the back, neck and shoulders.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following in choosing the correct backpack:

Children should carry a backpack no more than 10-15% of their body weight.

Shoulder straps should be wide enough and padded.  Straps should be tight enough to fit closely to the body and sit 2 inches above the waist. 

Use both shoulders to distribute the weight rather carrying the pack on 1 shoulder or in front.