• Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Change Mailing Address
    • Surveys
    • Guidelines for Authors
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Editorial Deadlines
  • Practice
    • Business Tips
    • Chiropractic Schools
    • Clinical & Technique
    • eBooks
    • eCourses
    • Infographics
    • Quizzes
    • Wellness & Nutrition
    • Personal Growth
    • Podcast
  • Resource Centers
  • Products & Services
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Products Directory
    • Submit a Product
    • Vendor Login
  • Datebook
    • Become an Events Poster
    • Post an Event
    • View Events
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post a Job
  • Advertise
    • Advertising Information
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Upload Advertising

Your Online Chiropractic Community

Chiropractic Economics Your Online Chiropractic Community
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Chiropractic Research
  • Students
  • Celebrating 65 Years

Wellness, nutrition, and the pediatric connection

Dava Stewart August 19, 2015

Child eating a strawberryHelp children build life-long wellness habits.

American parents are taking their children for chiropractic treatment in greater numbers, demonstrating increased confidence in pediatric chiropractic.1 In addition to being able to help children with specific issues, DCs are in a great position to provide general counseling on nutrition and wellness for children.

A growing problem

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity has more than doubled in children, and quadrupled in adolescents over the last 30 years.2 Teaching nutrition and wellness basics to children and their parents as a normal part of an office visit is essential to changing that statistic.

But basic nutritional counseling may not be enough to help. A 2007 study examined fourth graders participating in a soccer program with a nutrition intervention.3 They found no association between body mass index and their nutritional knowledge.

Additional steps, such as participation in sports programs, may be necessary for children to lose weight. In addition to helping children learn to maintain a healthy weight, activities like sports, help young people develop strength, which supports the musculoskeletal system.

Chiropractic treatments

While DCs are in a great position to provide wellness advice, there is a significant disagreement whether or not specific chiropractic treatments are appropriate for children of varying ages. In addition, published studies examining the benefits of chiropractic treatments on common issues most often involve adults.4 This leaves a gap in the research for this demographic.

While this topic is widely discussed among DCs, several surveys conducted in recent years point to minimal adverse effects. A 2009 survey of American chiropractors and a larger 2012 survey of European chiropractors both showed adverse events to occur with less than 1 percent of pediatric patients.5

Make it a family affair

If a child understands how eating an apple rather than a candy bar can lead to better overall health, he or she may make better choices. But the responsibility of making sure there are apples to choose lies with the parents or guardians, and many of them may also need some guidance.

 

References

1 American Chiropractic Association. “Increasing Number of Children Receive Pediatric Chiropractic Care.” https://www.acatoday.org/press_css.cfm?CID=3247. Published January 2009. Accessed August 2015.

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Childhood Obesity Facts.” http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm. Published April 2015. Accessed August 2015.

3 Leach RA, Yares JM. Nutrition and Youth Soccer for Childhood Overweight: A Pilot Novel Chiropractic Health Education Intervention. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008;31(6):434-41.

4 Alcantara J, Ohm J, Kunz D. The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic: a survey of chiropractors and parents in a practice-based research network. Explore (NY). 2009 Sep-Oct;5(5):290-5.

5 Fanucchi GL, Stewart A, Jordaan R, Becker P. Exercise reduces the intensity and prevalence of low back pain in 12-13 year old children: a randomised trial. Aust J Physiother. 2009;55(2):97-104.

Related Posts

  • The detox divide: Helping your patients’ safely achieve body detoxificationThe detox divide: Helping your patients’ safely achieve body detoxification
  • Healthy weight loss tips for healthy weight awareness monthHealthy weight loss tips for healthy weight awareness month
  • Should you be recommending children’s orthotics?Should you be recommending children’s orthotics?
  • November is American Diabetes Month: Help your diabetic patientsNovember is American Diabetes Month: Help your diabetic patients
  • Vitamin deficiency tests: Recommendations for your chiropractic patientsVitamin deficiency tests: Recommendations for your chiropractic patients
  • Keeping a naturally healthy heartKeeping a naturally healthy heart

Filed Under: Chiropractic Practice Management, Health, Wellness & Nutrition

Current Issue

820 A1A N Highway W18,

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Phone 904.285.6020

Fax 904.395.9118

CONTACT US »

Copyright © 2019, All Rights Reserved

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Get Chiropractic Economics magazine
delivered to your home or office. Just
fill out our form to request your FREE
subscription for 20 issues a year,
including two annual Buyers Guides.

SUBSCRIBE NOW »

Latest Chiropractic News

  • Sherman College names faculty, staff member of the year
    Carlson and Best headshots
  • Standard Process fuels Colin O’Brady’s extreme challenge to be the first to row the Drake Passage
    Colin O'Brady and team
  • Women Chiropractors group opens ‘ReEntry’ program for doctors starting over
x