The "Straighten up South Africa" program was initiated by the Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) in the hopes of improving spinal health awareness at 'grass roots level'. Children of today are considerably more stationary due to the increasing time spent on digital devices both for work and play. Back pain in adults is the biggest cause for absenteeism in the work place and is responsible for a great reduction in productivity and costs billions each year.
If we consider the spinal cord is responsible for almost every function of the body, it makes sense that if we don't look after it through good posture we will start to exhibit signs of ill health; be it through low back pain, headaches, poor balance etc.
I felt it was necessary to begin educating the youth of Hilton in good posture and demonstrate a short exercise program at local schools starting with Laddsworth Primary School. After a brief talk on good postural habits I demonstrated The "Posture Pod flying friends" exercises with the help of the Easter bunny. The exercises are great fun and are well received by children.
Let's work together for a straighter; healthier South Africa.
Dr Julie Forsyth is offering a free spinal health assessment for children under 13.
