Activity Ideas

Activity Ideas :

Including hands on, visual, fun and meaningful activities in your programming can help participants to better remember and implement the ideas you present. Here are a couple of
ideas that may help:

Postural Pitfalls

Objective:

To understand the importance of and practice good posture. As participants enter, have large pieces of butcher paper on the floor or taped against the wall. Pair participants and have one participant lie on or stand against the paper while the other draws an outline of the body. Keep in mind with adults, some people may already be experiencing back pain, so be sensitive to individual needs if possible. You may want to just ask for one volunteer and draw his/her outline among adults, while kids will almost always enjoy having their outlines drawn. Blow up balloons and tape them to the body outline. Tell participants the balloons represent their vital organs (e.g., stomach, liver, heart, etc.). Place the outline in a chair behind a desk or table if possible. Make sure the chair and desk or table are turned sideways so all can see. Now bend the body outline and balloons over in a slouching position - this will put pressure on the balloons. Ask participants to tell what is happening (there isn’t much room for the body organs, blood can’t flow as easily to the body organs, the person probably does not look or feel good, either).Discuss the postural tips when sitting, standing, and sleeping, as well as the body mechanics for lifting from this newsletter. Explain that strong muscles help to keep the body in correct posture. Practice sitting with feet flat on the floor (or on a book or stool, if needed). Have participants place their hands palms down next to their hips and count to six - then relax. Participants will now be sitting with correct posture. This exercise makes muscles used for correct sitting posture strong. Try some of the other back strengthening exercises in this issue of HealthHints or see the suggested websites.Be sensitive to participant limitations or needs such as disability, current back pain, or pregnancy. Be prepared with varied ideas so you can adapt with your audience.

Back Pack Basics

Objective:
To understand how to wear a back pack safely to prevent injury. Note: This activity would be particularly good for safety camps for kids or at health fairs. Explain that overloading back packs has recently received alot of attention in schools among parents and school administrators. “More than 13,260 injuries related to back packs were treated at hospital emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, and clinics in the year 2000 (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2001a).” Purchase or borrow a few backpacks that have the correct components (e.g., hip straps, and padded straps and back) for safety as well as some that don’t have these features to use as examples. Then, present the following tips, allowing articipants to try the back packs on, tighten them, pack them appropriately (provide a few books of different sizes and weights, or other items that might be carried), etc.

Back pack tips to prevent injury:

• Use a hip strap for heavier weights.
• Use a back pack with padded, wide straps and a padded back.
• Use both shoulder straps, firmly tightened, to hold the back pack two inches above the waist.
• Use correct lifting techniques, bending both knees, keeping the back straight, and lifting with the legs when picking up a heavy back pack.
• Neatly pack the back pack, placing the heaviest items close to your back - try to keep items in place. (Consider features that help keep items organized and in place when purchasing a pack.)
• For kids in school, try to make frequent trips to your locker between classes to replace books.
• Consider purchasing a back pack with wheels.
• If possible borrow or purchase a second set of books for home to avoid carrying heavy loads between home and school each day.
• Engage in exercises that strengthen and condition the back muscles.
(Note:Provide participants ideas for exercises from this issue of HealthHints, or suggest
they consult a doctor, orthopaedicsurgeon, or physical therapist for advice).