Inside: Parents are as busy as ever, and it’s easy to miss things. Even important things like your child’s health! Use a free app to check your child today.
This sponsored conversation is written by me with SoFluential Media on behalf of Shriner's Children's Hospital.
My 13 year old son began the summer wearing a size 7 shoe. Granted, it was tight on him then. When we got to the store, we found that he needed a size 9. A couple of weeks later, we went back for size 10.5 shoes. Before school started, we were shopping for size 12s!
You’ve probably experienced the same thing with your preteen or early teenager. (If not yet, get ready for it!)
An Easy Way To Make Sure They’re Growing Right
Kids this age grow by leaps and bounds in a short period of time. While it leaves us amazed (and scrambling for clothes that fit), there’s something we’re all overlooking.
It’s a condition called scoliosis. It’s an abnormal curvature of the spine that can limit your child’s mobility and even lead to more serious health issues over time. In the U.S. alone there are 6-9 million cases of scoliosis, and millions more across the globe. There’s no known cause, and it can happen to any child. (Especially when they begin to grow rapidly!)
Catching scoliosis early is key, because it’s a progressive disease. The earlier it’s caught, the more treatment options you’ll have.
How to Check For Signs of Scoliosis
Maybe you remember your own school days when they would check spines one class at a time? Well, that just isn’t done in most schools these days. And that leaves it to us as parents.
Unless your child requires a sports physical, you probably aren’t getting them to the doctor as often as you used to. So they aren’t getting their spines checked as frequently at this age.
Like many things that should be done annually, it’s a good idea to link this check with something that naturally occurs every year. Why not make this part of your yearly back to school routine? Shop for supplies, check the spines!
(If you have trouble keeping up with everything, try this stay at home mom schedule printable!)
It sounds a little intimidating, but don’t worry. The orthopedic specialists at Shriners Hospitals for Children have designed a free app that’s simple for parents to use. It’s called . This app can give you the first clue that your child should see a doctor for a closer look at their spine.
This app is available in the and .
The app won’t replace a doctor’s visit. But with you can:
- Learn the signs of scoliosis and treatment options available.
- Perform a preliminary check on your child’s spine right at home.
- Schedule reminders for annual screenings. (So handy for busy parents!)
Here’s a quick video to see how it works:
Did the app reveal anything concerning?
Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor for a follow up as soon as you can.
If the doctor suggests you see a specialist, you have options. The Shriners Hospitals for Children have locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that specialize in the treatment of orthopedic conditions like scoliosis. They are in the forefront of new diagnosis and treatment options that help kids back to being as active as possible.
Want to learn more? Go to.
This quick check is well worth your child’s health!
Remember that this app won’t replace regular doctor’s visits. But it’s always good for parents to be aware of what’s happening in their children’s lives.
Has scoliosis touched your life?
I'm Jamie, and I want to help you afford a beautiful life with your family. 
