North Shore Pro-Active Health offers free backpack, posture screenings

LIBERTYVILLE - The experts at North Shore Pro-Active Health in Libertyville want to ensure that the way your children pack and carry their backpacks today won't lead to neck, back or head pain tomorrow. That's why they are offering free posture and backpack screenings now through mid-September, as the new school year kicks into gear.

"We want to make sure the pack is aligned on the back properly, as well as, if possible, decrease the weight of the pack to prevent future health issues," said Dr. Jade Dellinger, who runs the Libertyville chiropractic office with her sister, Dr. Jordan Leasure.

Dellinger said the screenings take about 20 minutes, and it's best if parents bring the child in with the backpack and its normal daily contents. Discussions center on evenly distributing weight, making it a habit to wear both straps - and possibly even a chest strap for older students carrying heavier loads. Dellinger, Leasure or athletic trainer Kristin Stromberg will properly adjust the straps to ensure the pack is in the best possible position on the student's back.

"Each bag is so unique," Dellinger said. "We'll adjust each strap according to the needs of that child, and then it's set."

The free screenings are available to students of any age. Free posture screenings also are available for adults. Appointments may be made through Friday, Sept. 13.

"The screening for adults is similar to the backpack screening," Dellinger said. "Improper posture can lead to a multitude of ills, from neck pain to headaches and back pain. In fact, studies are showing that poor posture can lead to a shorter life span."

Forward hunching posture, over time, can diminish lung capacity, Dellinger explained. In turn, that can contribute to poor cellular health and general decline.

"It leads to a domino effect," she said. "For kids, it's more about preventing the conditions that are very common among adults, such as shoulder, neck and back pain."

To view a video about the posture screenings, find North Shore Pro-Active Health on Facebook and look under Events (Note: the deadline has been extended from Aug. 30 to Sept. 13). To learn more about the practice, visit drleasure.com. To schedule a free screening, call 847-362-4476.