Easter is a time of new life.  Baby chicks, baby bunnies, flowers pushing up through the ground, buds on the trees…kids hunting for Easter eggs.  New life is all around us.

Easter is the season of new life

Most people associate youth with activity, energy, and boundless excitement.  And it’s true that our children are growing and learning every day.  But they can’t grow up healthy without support.

It’s easy to think that kids can fall down, pick themselves back up again, and get right back to playing.  Many people shrug off kids’ complaints of discomfort as “growing pains.”  But childhood injuries that are left untreated can develop into long-term problems.

Every child should see a chiropractor periodically, just as they see a family doctor for check-ups, a dentist for teeth cleaning, and an eye doctor for vision tests.

These days it’s easier than ever for kids to spend their childhood sitting down.  Most of us grew up with TVs in our homes, and you probably knew a kid or two who “watched too much TV.”  Today, most homes have smart phones, video games, and computers as well as TV.  But kids’ need for activity has not changed.  Growing bodies need to move.

Growing bodies also need fuel.

Unfortunately, advertising and packaging pitches unhealthy foods specifically towards children.  These include sugary cereals, sweet breakfast spreads, soft drinks, processed “kiddie lunches,” fast food meals, candy, and other “junk foods.”

Ensure your children eat a breakfast and lunch high in protein, with plenty of vegetables throughout the day.

If they’re hungry between meals, don’t withhold food to preserve their appetites. Uncomfortably hungry kids will overeat at mealtime (just as adults will!)  Instead, offer them a piece of fruit or some raw veggies to tide them over.  Nutritious food is just as nutritious, no matter when it’s eaten.

Similarly, if they don’t like traditional “breakfast foods,” or have allergies or intolerances to common breakfast staples like wheat, eggs, or dairy, any lean protein can be part of a healthy breakfast.  Leftover chicken stir fry makes a better breakfast than sugar-filled commercial peanut butter or sweet cereals full of artificial colour.

This Easter, don’t take new life for granted.

Make sure your children have the support they need to help them grow up healthy.  If your children don’t already have a regular chiropractor, or if we haven’t seen them in some time, call Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172.