Get the Best Family Activities
• Look for a mouse pad with a soft wrist cushion support so the child’s wrist is not on a hard surface for a prolonged period of time. The carpal tunnel is a space which holds several tendons and a nerve which runs to the hand. Prolonged pressure on this area can irritate the nerve.
• The child’s knees should be positioned at an approximate 90-120 degree angle. This can be accomplished by placing the feet on a foot rest, box, or other object.
• Limit your child’s computer time and make sure he or she takes periodic breaks. No one, including parents, should sit in the same position for more than 45 minutes. Prolonged sitting is a direct cause of low back and neck pain. Take breaks! Try the postural relief position described below.
• Most importantly: Make sure your child stays active! Playing outside, sports, after school activities, etc. should all be encouraged. This is the best way to keep our joints healthy and to prevent the expansive list of conditions that can arise from sedentary behavior. Lifestyle education (staying active, eating well) is perhaps the greatest means of illness and pain prevention we can offer as our children enter their teen years and beyond.
For parents and children: Postural Relief Position This is performed as a “mini break”, 1-2 times per seated hour:
1. Sit at the edge of your chair, feet flat on the floor
2. Accentuate the curve in your low back (by letting your abdomen roll forward)
3. Stick your chest out
4. Pull your chin in
5. Pull the shoulder blades down and back
6. Keep your arms straight, extend thembehind your body and open your hands
Hold this position for 20 seconds. This exercise accentuates the complete opposite of poor posture. It acts to remind muscles what they should be doing to maintain a correct seated position.
