Our bodies are delicate and require TLC to ensure they work to their fullest capacity. Young bodies are particularly delicate, with our most rapid stages of growth and development occurring during early childhood and puberty, and setting us up for our adult lives. It is therefore essential that we develop good habits in youth and nurture this development, so that we can reduce the risk and severity of injuries and ailments in the future.
This month on the SHG Blog we are focusing on youth health and will hear from Travis (Exercise Physiologist) and Pete (Remedial Massage Therpist) about the importance of exercise during youth, as well as common ailments that develop during this stage of development, and how we can help our kids avoid or recover from them.
Exercise Physiology for growing, competitive bodies - Travis English
Netball, football, tennis, hockey, volleyball, soccer, dancing, gymnastics, snow sports - the list of activities our youngsters are involved in can be endless! As adults, most of us would tear a hammie even just thinking about these sports, so it's important that we appreciate the intensity with which our kids are moving, and condition their bodies as best we can to help them avoid any unnecessary injury. Regular sessions with an Exercise Physiologist can help do this.
What is an Exercise Physiologist (EP)?
An Exercise Physiologist is a University degree qualified fitness instructor. Unlike Personal Trainers, they have completed a minimum of three years of study and their clinical understanding of the human anatomy and physiology means they are qualified to work with bodies that are injured or still developing,
Equipped with the most up-to-date scientific evidence, an EP can assess your child's current physical capacity and specifically tailor an exercise program to meet their physiological needs. They will ensure your child is completing their program with correct technique and form, to reduce risk of injury.
Are there any other benefits of my children training with an EP?
Yes, exercise provides many cognitive and academic benefits, in addition to improving fitness and conditioning the body. In particular, exercise helps to improve concentration by increasing blood flow to the brain and enlarging the basal ganglia - the part of the brain that controls focus and attention. Studies have shown that in school-aged children, this works to improve concentration in class and improve academic performance. An EP can help your child reap these benefits in a safe and controlled environment.
For more information about the benefits of exercise for young people, check out the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) website - www.essa.org.au/the-brainpower-of-exercise-and-its-importance-for-kid
Pain associated with study & computer work - Peter Jeffrey
Students, particularly those studying VCE, spend long hours hunched over text books and laptops, or staring at computer screens. This regularly results in bad posture, and when combined with a decease in their physical activity, particularly around exam time, students often experience pain and strain in their neck and back.
Remedial massage is an effective way of treating these symptoms, and also presents many other additional health benefits for young people. Some of these benefits include:
Calming during periods of high stress, and reducing anxiety
Boosting the immune system by stimulating the lymphatic system
Relieving growing pains by alleviating tension in muscles
Reducing muscle aches and pains from sporting or physical activities