The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate And Connected Children

By Dale Atkins, PhD and Amanda Salzhauer, MSW

Greenwich, CT, October 4, 2018 — Kindness leads to compassion and happiness, future success, better relationships, improved self-esteem, and good mental and physical health. And don't we all want that for our children, our families and our community? The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children provides parents with a practical and concrete guide to equip their child with the skills they need to have a positive influence on the world. This book goes well beyond teaching "please” and "thank-you.” It will show parents how to help their child form compassionate habits that will last a lifetime.

The Kindness Advantage is written by mental health professionals Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer. Both experts are available to speak on topics that affect children and families to emphasize how to tap into kindness when dealing with such issues as bullying, school shootings, child welfare, community service, and the intergenerational divide. The Kindness Advantage is for parents who see the need for more civil, respectful, and considerate behavior among children. Research shows that children who are raised in a culture where giving and compassion are valued become happier and more positively engaged with those around them. Some of the characteristics in deeply connected people are empathy, acceptance, and questioning. These and other characteristics are essential to being kind and charitable, and vital to living a purposeful life.

First, The Kindness Advantage helps parents recognize these qualities; next, it shares ways to nurture them in everyday life. Finally, it shows parents how to teach them to their children. In Part Three there are additional chapters to support these efforts, with conversation starters, strategies to help children relax, tips for troubleshooting challenging situations, along with recommendations for adults and children interested in learning more. There are also several blank pages at the end of the book for taking notes, writing questions, and keeping track of resources with the hope that this book with turn into the family's personal activity workbook. Each fundamental characteristic includes an introduction along with:

1)    Text to be read and discussed with the child.
2)    Questions to help children connect the concept with their own life experience.
3)    Ideas and activities to weave that concept into everyday life.
4)    Inspiring real-life stories about children who make a difference.
5)    Quotes from children, clergy, and community leaders and others about the values of caring and compassion.

The Kindness Advantage is based on a simple yet powerful premise: that living a compassionate life, one in which kindness is highly valued, is the key to our children's current and future wellbeing. There are so many ways to create meaningful connections with others. The Kindness Advantage is designed to be used in whatever way works best for families, giving their children the advantage of kindness to last a lifetime.

About the Authors:

Dale V. Atkins, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with more than forty years of experience as a relationship expert focusing on families, wellness, managing stress, and living a balanced, meaningful life. Author of six books and many chapters, articles, and journals for popular and professional audiences, Dale is a featured speaker who leads seminars worldwide on raising financially responsible, and charitable children. Dale is a frequent guest expert in the media and appears regularly on NBC's TODAY and CNN. Dale has a private psychology practice in New York City. She has two children and six grandchildren, and lives in Connecticut. She can be found on Twitter (@DrDaleAtkins), Facebook, and at www.drdaleatkins.com.

Amanda R. Salzhauer, MSW, has worked as a social worker in clinics and private practice. She has been a member of several nonprofit boards, including Riverdale Neighborhood House and the Board of Overseers for the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact. She has three children and lives in New York City.

The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children
By Dale Atkins, PhD and Amanda Salzhauer
Available wherever books are sold or to order from the publisher, contact: (800) 441-5560 or www.hcibooks.com
ISBN: 9780757320997
$15.95
Release date: September 2018

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TIP SHEET:

Suggested Author Interview Questions:

1)    Why kindness/What is the Kindness Advantage?
2)    What were we seeing that made us want to write the book? Tell us about the journey of writing this book?
3)    Talk about your relationship and family background?
4)    How do you get kids to be charitable?
5)    What are 3 everyday things you can do to help your child become kinder?
6)    Why start so early? Where is the evidence for starting early?
7)    How do you teach kindness?
8)    Why is it important to be kind? Examples of what society looks like when people are not kind.
9)    What do you do when your kid is not being kind?

Praise for The Kindness Advantage:

Dr Atkins and Ms. Salzhauer are keenly aware of how we as parents grow, learn and change.  They support our deepest intention to support our children to thrive in the world by providing clear and actionable steps to build up this tremendously important capacity.  Atkins and Salzhauer offer a map for parents and children to travel together, so that the same daily routine might add a detour or re-route to take the high road. Bravo to Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer for focusing parents around a path to true fulfillment for our children.  Enjoy sharing this adventure in kindness with your children!

Lisa Miller, PhD, author of The Spiritual Child; The New Science of Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving: "In this day and age, kindness and connection are especially important. An accessible and informative guide, The Kindness Advantage is a must read for parents of all ages.”

Judson Brewer MD PhD, author of The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love – Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits: "Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer's book, The Kindness Advantage, can serve as a partial antidote to these turbulent times. They remind us that kindness is both a moral behavior that can improve the status of the world, but also be advantageous to the individual who practices kindness. The book's blend of significant and relevant issues in psychology, education, and humanism provides a myriad of practical suggestions to help us raise kind children. The book will serve as a resource to parents and educators. By teaching the components underlying kindness children can be provided a framework where we can both teach and weave these crucial lessons into the lives of children.

The section on relaxation, breathing, visualization and mediation is a gift to the children in our lives and ourselves. We cannot impart the lessons of kindness when we ourselves are agitated and distressed by the tumult in our lives and in our worlds. Likewise, children have difficulty being kind when they are in the grip of negative emotions. This section provides children and adults the tools to master negative emotions.  We highly recommend this book to be read, saved and used as a long term resource in your child rearing library.”

Norma D. Feshbach, Ph.D. Professor, Chair, Interim Dean Emeritus UCLA, and
Laura E. Feshbach, Ph.D. in Child Clinical Psychology from University of Washington: "The Kindness Advantage is the perfect book. Building on scientific evidence about developing aspects of kindness, such as empathy, it gives clear, practical advice to parents and suggests engaging activities and stories for children. Nothing could be more important today than increasing compassion and decreasing polarization and acrimony. I am going to give this book to my son who has a young daughter.”

Dr. Susan Fuhrman, Ph.D., President Emerita, Teachers College Columbia University: "In times of discord and polarization, kindness is a family value that can often be overlooked and underestimated. But, in truth, few parental responsibilities carry more weight -- and bring more joy -- than teaching children the power of flexing their own kindness muscles. Steeped in research and brimming with practical tips, The Kindness Advantage provides parents with a blueprint for nurturing empathy in young children, while offering real-life stories that both instruct and inspire. This is a thoughtful guidebook for parents, caregivers, and any adults looking to help build happiness, raise good citizens, and create harmonious communities."

Myung Lee, Executive Director of Fund for Cities of Service: "The Kindness Advantage … is exactly what we need more of right now. With empowering examples and science-based truths, Dale and Amanda share what it takes to foster kindness, empathy, compassion, and heart in our families. Parents will learn how to take on social questions and connect in a way that will improve the lives of their children and help create a more nurturing world. Highly recommended!”

Amy McCready, Author and Founder, Positive Parenting Solutions: "This enormously insightful book provides an inspiring and fundamental blueprint on how kindness can and should be taught to children.  It provides essential ways to have conversations with your children on how to be kind.  The Kindness Advantage reinforces how considerate and kind behavior can be life-changing and life lasting for children to help make the world a better place.”

Laura Schroff, #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of An Invisible Thread:
"The Kindness Advantage is the ray of hope that we all need in this harsh, heavy, world. It is a blueprint of how to partner with the next generation to live our inherent values, to tap our organic ability to love, and to create a kinder culture. Many thanks to Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer for bringing this much-needed gift to the world!”

Rev. Susan Sparks, Pastor, Comedian, and Author of Laugh Your Way to Grace: "As a physician who uses mindfulness practices extensively in working with patients, health care professionals, and people dealing with all varieties of stress, I love that this book incorporates those practices into a guide for parents who are teaching their children to be kind.  The authors wisely lead with the evidence that kindness leads to greater happiness, meaning, and wellbeing, and then provide a myriad of inspirational examples and ideas for children and parents.  Grandparents, who are often crucial inspirational figures in children's lives, may particularly benefit from ideas for intergenerational collaborations in kindness.”

Patricia A. Bloom, M.D., Certified Teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction;
Clinical Associate Professor of Geriatrics, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY: "With optimism and compassion, The Kindness Advantage offers practical tips and real-world examples parents and educators need to teach empathy, compassion, and kindness to our children. Along the way, it also provides opportunities to reflect on our values and experiences as adults. This book speaks to the innate desire of every child to be good to themselves and those around them. Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer make the case for kindness as the tool to radically transform our children's lives, and our own.”

Naila Bolus, President & CEO, Jumpstart: "Just like we see in kids who have the empathy advantage, children who are raised with the kindness advantage are happier, connected, compassionate, and will have what they need to become change makers in their world. The Kindness Advantage offers parents the tools to teach these skills and more to their young children. With the extensive examples of activities provided in the The Kindness Advantage, parents can pick and choose what resonates with them to create a personalized approach to bringing kindness into their everyday lives.”

Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World: "It is through kindness that we find inner peace, and understanding of our humanity, our interconnectedness. Thank you Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer for gifting us with The Kindness Advantage, a guide to share this most powerful and important tool with our children.”

Janet Slom, MFA, founder, Mindfulness-Based Self Expression: "The Kindness Advantage provides practical wisdom and good-sense guidance to help you scaffold your child's journey toward goodness of heart. This book is a gift which has arrived at the perfect time for our world.”

Amishi Jha, Ph.D., Neuroscientist and Researcher: "Before we expect kindness from others, we have to nurture it in ourselves. Thanks to The Kindness Advantage we now have the recipe to raise children that better the world not because of what they have done, but because of who they are.  And, in the process, we can learn to become kinder people in an often divisive and complicated world.”

DO YOU SUFFER FROM PANIC ATTACKS?

IF SO, YOU HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON WITH A- LIST CELEBS

Here’s what to do to cope without breaking the bank

www.comprehendthemind.com

Over 40 million adults in the U.S. suffer from anxiety and panic disorders. And as privileged as they are, celebrities are no exception when it comes to panic attacks. Whether it's a one-time event or something they consistently struggle with, dealing with a panic attack is never easy. Most recently, in the media and her new book, Gisele Bundchen described the debilitating panic attacks she experienced when she was younger and how they almost led her to suicide.  Gisele is not the only celeb who has confessed to former or current panic attacks.  Others include Lena Dunham, Caitlyn Jenner, Emma Stone, Ellie Goulding, Amanda Seyfried, and John Mayer.  We turned to New York City-based neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty Member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College for some insight on what average Joe and Janes can to overcome panic attacks. The good news is, recovery is possible does not take an A-listers budget.

What is a panic attack?

Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning. They can strike at any time — when you're driving a car, at the mall, sound asleep or in the middle of a business meeting. You may have occasional panic attacks, or they may occur frequently. Panic attacks have many variations, but symptoms usually peak within minutes. You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides. Dr. Hafeez states that “One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another one.  A panic attack occurs when the body experiences a sudden surge adrenaline out of proportion to any perceived danger or threat.”

What is a panic disorder?

You may fear having panic attacks so much that you avoid certain situations where they may occur. It can become so severe as to cause agoraphobia where people become housebound.  When this occurs, it is known as panic disorder.” She adds, “the word ‘attack’ is actually a misnomer as nothing is being attacked. Panic occurs when the body goes into a state of fight or flight even when no real danger is present. A person can be sitting at their desk typing, yet feel as if they are being chased by a lion and the body is responding with adrenaline appropriate to a dangerous situation, but not realistic for the situation the sufferer is actually in.”  Dr. Hafeez stresses to those who suffer from the panic that, “Nobody has ever died from a panic attack! A person may feel as if he/she wants to die, or death is imminent, but it simply will not happen!”

How did Gisele Bundchen reduce her panic?

As Gisele Bundchen has mentioned, her panic attacks subsided when she made lifestyle changes such as not drinking a bottle of wine per day, stopping a pack a day smoking habit, incorporating meditation, yoga, and cutting out sugar.  After a few months, she says she stopped experiencing any panic attacks and had a new outlook on her life and her health.

What can you do to reduce and cope with panic?

Calm breathing

Dr. Hafeez says that “Taking control of breathing is the first step to controlling a panic attack. The goal is to create a slow stream of air by breathing in and out. This prevents hyperventilation and a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. It is helpful to practice mindful breathing outside of panic attacks. This equips people who experience panic attacks with the techniques designed to stop them. There are apps and YouTube videos people can watch to practice breathing techniques for panic. “

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Another helpful strategy is learning to relax the body. This technique involves tensing and untensing various muscle groups. This lowers overall tension and stress levels that can contribute to panic attacks. Start with the feet and work up to your forehead. Tighten the muscle while taking a deep breath in, hold for a few seconds and then release the tension while breathing out. Move up the body, one muscle group at a time.

Mindfulness

This is the act of accepting thoughts as they come, but not letting them blow out of proportion. It is a mental framework designed to help people stay present at the moment without overanalyzing the stressful elements of life. Mindfulness incorporates many relaxation and meditation techniques.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Panic attacks can originate from thoughts that spiral into deep-seated worries. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an effective, lasting treatment for controlling panic attack symptoms. CBT is a helpful option for people who experience repeated panic attacks. CBT challenges fearful thoughts. What are you afraid will happen? Is there evidence to support these fears? A practitioner trained in CBT can equip an individual with the tools to successfully control and defuse a full-blown panic attack.

Yoga

There are many uncomfortable physical symptoms of panic and anxiety, such as feelings of tension, tightness, and pain sensitivity. Yoga postures, known as asanas, help ease the physical discomfort that is caused by anxiety. Asanas work to stretch, lengthen, and balance the muscles. These postures can assist in releasing built-up muscle tension and stiffness throughout the body.

Cut Down on Sugar and eliminate caffeine

Although many people can’t start their day without a “cup of Joe,” Dr. Hafeez says that “for panic sufferers, caffeine can trigger panic attacks because it is a stimulant and can cause people with anxiety to have palpitating hearts and shaky hands. Sugar can cause blurry vision, difficulty thinking, and fatigue, all of which may be interpreted as signs of a panic attack, thereby increasing worry and fear. A sugar high and subsequent crash can cause shaking and tension, which can make anxiety worse. While dietary changes alone cannot cure anxiety, they can minimize symptoms, boost energy and improve the body’s ability to cope with stress.”

Stop Smoking

“If you think smoking calms you down, think again,” says Dr. Hafeez.  A study of thousands of smokers shows that they are three times more likely than non-smokers to have panic attacks and panic disorder. Tobacco smoke may induce panic attacks in susceptible individuals. "There can be other mechanisms by which smoking induces panic: the effect of nicotine for example," says Dr. Hafeez. “Nicotine has a stimulating effect on the brain.”

Reduce or eliminate alcohol

There are clear links between alcohol and anxiety, and between alcohol and panic attacks. Alcohol can trigger panic attacks because on a physiological level drinking can cause low blood sugar, dehydration, increased heart rate, and increased levels of stress. Dr. Hafeez offers that, “A drink from time to time is not harmful, but when people use drinking to deal with anxiety and panic, they can experience severe consequences. Like other frequently abused substances such as caffeine or cocaine, the combination of alcohol abuse, hangover, and withdrawal can lead to an increased risk of panic attacks. As a consequence, this kind of abuse can result in both an alcohol addiction and more severe anxiety and panic disorders.”

Medication

There are many anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines like Valium, Ativan, Clonopin, and Xanax that can help keep panic under control when combined with therapy. Antihistamines (such as hydroxyzine) and beta-blockers (such as propranolol) can help mild cases of anxiety as well as performance anxiety, a type of social anxiety disorder. Patients need to keep in mind that benzodiazepines carry the risk of tolerance and addiction and are better suited for short-term or “as needed” usage.

Smartphone apps to assist with panic disorder

There are many great ones that exist such as Dare, Rootd, Anxiety No More, ACT Companion and Pacifica among many others.

About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is an NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz. Connect with her via Instagram @drsanamhafeez or www.comprehendthemind.com

Train It Right now has a few more online training slots opened up for October. Transformation, prep and off season available. www.trainitright.com/contact to start the application process!

For more information: http://www.trainitright.com/train-it-right-online-programming/

• Child’s pose: This simple yoga pose focuses on elongating the spine. Breathe deeply to enhance the stretch and decompress more effectively. Hold the position for 3-5 deep relaxing breaths or as long as it is comfortable.  Place your arms either alongside your body or forward with your hands positioned under for forehead.
• Hang from a pull-up bar: Reach up and hang from a pull-up bar (or a solid door frame).  Let go with your feet and allow gravity to lengthen your spine and stretch your spinal muscles. You can also lengthen your spine and create space between the vertebrae by lifting both arms overhead, interlace your fingers and turn the palms upward toward the ceiling. As you inhale slowly press the palms up towards the ceiling allowing both shoulders to lift up toward the ears…pause and exhale.
• Knee-to-chest stretch: This stretch can be performed in a sitting or lying position (on your back) by drawing one or both knees up towards the chest.  Hold your knee(s) as you breathe deeply to enhance the stretch and decompress the spine and stretch the hips and hamstrings (which may be a contributing factor).

• Improper axial loading. This happens when you perform exercises with improper alignment of the spinal column or with incorrect movement mechanics.  This is common when performing strength training moves such as deadlifts, squats, and lunges with a barbell on your shoulders.
• Doing sit-ups and crunches just after you wake up. The spinal disks are fully hydrated first thing in the morning and when the trunk flexes (especially with a weight) it can place too heavy a load on the tissues.
• Lifting with your lower back. It’s important to bend your knees, brace your core and lift your chest, to maintain a long, neutral spine when you lift heavy weights or equipment.
• Poor posture. A common issue for most exercisers that sit at their desk for work or who drive a lot, as this leads to a bent-over posture, rounded shoulders and upper back, and forward head posture
• Ignoring the pain. It’s important to modify your exercises and seek help from a professional when you feel ongoing or radiating pain and discomfort

Funding awarded to six research teams working to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with brain disorders

The Death Of The Angry Black Woman Invites Self-Reflection; Helps Women Learn How To Bury Their Anger And Embrace A New Self  

Charlotte, NC, October 3, 2018 ― Charlotte pastor and face of the popular Car Chronicles Movement, Jameliah Young-Mitchell has penned The Death of the Angry Black Woman—a book published by Warren Publishing that discusses stereotypes faced by African-American women. The book released at #1 on Amazon.com for New Releases in the Anger Management category.

Anger can get the best of many women, but when anger erupts into rage and leads to shouting, fighting, and name-calling, it's time to look within and make a change. The Death of the Angry Black Woman boldly acknowledges stereotypes faced by women in the black community and uncovers the seeds that lead many to live anger-filled lives. Instilled with Biblical scripture and jaw-dropping honesty, this debut book from Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell, the voice behind the popular Car Chronicles Movement, will empower you to bury your anger, reject false labels, and embrace the new you.

"I wrote this book for all the women out there who are dealing with anger that they have yet to find the source of,” said Young-Mitchell. "Many women in the black community come from backgrounds of abuse, mistreatment, violence––and they become fighters. Through my book I hope to be that voice in their head, the one we all hear but rarely acknowledge, encouraging them to move on, let go of anger, reject hateful labels, embrace their powerful femininity, and live the life God intended them to live.”

Pastor Jameliah Young-Mitchell is the daughter of the late Evangelist Violetta B. Young and Pastor James I. Young, and grew up in Brooklyn, NY, as the youngest of four kids. She has preached across the United States and internationally and is the pastor of Unity Church Charlotte. Young-Mitchell is an experienced keynote speaker for women's empowerment, teen and youth mentoring, corporate America, and relationships. She is the voice behind the popular Car Chronicles Movement where she can be seen live on Facebook Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. Young-Mitchell is the proud mother of a son and daughter and resides in Charlotte, NC, with her husband, Calvin W. Mitchell.

The Death of the Angry Black Woman is available at warrenpublishing.net, Amazon.com, or wherever books are sold. Jameliah Young-Mitchell is available for book signings and interviews.

The Death of the Angry Black Woman
978-1943258-92-5
Released: July 2018
Soft Cover
$15.00

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Excerpts from many five-star reviews on Amazon.com:

"This book is an awesome read! The transparency and life examples of Pastor Jameliah Young- Mitchell gives [sic] the reader a firsthand view of what an overcomer looks like. There is something for everyone to learn and apply to their lives to become better people.”

"At first I wasn't interested in reading this book because I felt that I was not 'Angry' but as I read I discovered that I was angry and suffered some of the same things but learned how to mask the pain. This book allowed me to begin the process of a new me. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is in need of refocusing.”

"I recently joined a book club with a few other ladies and this was one of the first books recommended. I could relate to a lot of the content in the book and was able to dig a little deeper and have a little self-reflection afterwards. I highly recommend this!”

"I liked everything about the book. From the start to the end... it's a mind-blowing moment for real I tell you! This is a 10-star book.”

"This book is just awesome. It has definitely set me free, it has been a blessing to My Mind & Soul.”

"[Jameliah] is very candid in this book. She has a way of leading, teaching, and encouraging, all while openly acknowledging that she too is still learning. It is written in such a way that EVERYBODY can understand. I love it!!”

Integrated Cannabis Company, Inc. Announces Positive Results From Clinical Study of X-SPRAYS Sleep Product

NEW STUDY: When 10 lbs. in a backpack = 70 pounds of force to a student’s spine.

Video animation: https://youtu.be/FBFJEXwwmno

Global Problem

Backpacks are standard load carriers for people of all ages, especially school children and the military. Previous studies have described the impact of the forces exerted by backpacks on load distribution, back pain, and gait. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of forces exerted by specific backpack weights on a model of the spine. This information could be important for understanding the load that the spine experiences as an applied weight increase.

The Study

We used finite element analysis (FEA) on a model of a human spine under loads induced by carrying a backpack of different weights. We studied two different scenarios:

1. A regular backpack with incrementally placed weights using both shoulder straps with the spine in a neutral position.
2. A regular backpack with incrementally placed weights using both shoulder straps with the spine tilted forward by 20 degrees.

Results

For all of the weights examined, the axial compression force for a neutral spine was 7.2-fold the backpack weight. For the 20 degrees forward flexion condition, the axial compression force was 11.6-fold the backpack weight.

Discussion:

People everywhere have struggled to assess the impact of objects in a backpack to the body in general, and to the spine in particular.  Backpack use is associated with back pain, intervertebral disc compression, neck pain, altered posture, altered walking mechanics, and plantar foot pressure.

Conventional studies have suggested a safe load of 10% body-weight in children and adolescents, 13% and 15% in young adults, and 15-20% in college-aged adults. This study focuses on the force generated to the spine.

Risk:

The first affected are the ligaments.   When the ligaments are stressed and are inflamed, then there is a loss of side-by-side range of motion and stiffness. The muscles are also stressed and inflamed. Stressing a muscle makes it stronger. However persistent eccentric loading leads to intractable pain. The disc spaces are also eccentrically loaded seeing undo stresses. With persistent eccentric loading the process of wear, tear, and degeneration proceeds. Surgery may be needed.

Prevention:

One Book = 7 Books to the Spine When the force magnifiers are identified at 7X in neutral spine, and 12X in 20 degrees of forward posture, people should be careful with their contents in a backpack.

Thinking About Your Packing Pack only what is necessary. People tend to overpack and bring every possible option available in their backpacks. A person with a hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of items. Now each item is shown to have 7X consequences to the spine.

Embrace digital textbooks. Digital textbooks are easier to read, access pages and do not transmit forces on the spine.

Embrace Neutral Alignment = Proper Posture Proper posture is the position of

“Ears above the shoulder,

Angel Wings back”, = chest open

Neutral spine is the most efficient position. This proper posture includes your chin being level with the floor, your scapula retracted, and your abdomen firm. Our study shows that in neutral alignment which is good posture, the forces on the spine are 7.2X the weight. With just 20 degrees of forward posture = poor posture, the force is magnified to 11.6X the weight. This is a 60% increase in forces.

Wear Both straps. The forces on the spine are the same with one strap or two straps. Both straps allow for a division of the forces that the spine sees. Similarly, with one strap, one side sees twice the amount of forces.

Keep the Backpack Closest to The Body: Closest to the body is the most efficient position for diminishing spine forces

Develop a strong core and legs. The body provides certain inherent muscle shock absorbers. Building the core muscles with for example planking helps to strengthen the body’s force dampeners. Strong thigh muscles help.

New Technology Diminishes Spine Forces Seen in Backpacks Patented technologies (US Patent 9,700,080 B1) address the postural, ergonomic reinforcement of backpacks to diminish the forces seen by the spine with 40 – 70% efficiency.

About Dr. Ken Hansraj:

Kenneth K. Hansraj, M.D. is a spinal and orthopedic surgeon specializing in cervical, thoracic and lumbar procedures, bloodless spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, laminectomies and spinal fusions. He believes in whole body wellness, preventative care and that the spine is a principal indicator of general health impacted by “human software and hardware.” Dr. Ken is the author of the internationally bestselling book, Keys to an Amazing Life: Secrets of the Cervical Spine, which he was inspired to write based on this concept. Dr. Hansraj is also the author of Bloodless Spine Surgery: Pictures and Explanations. His goal with each of his books is to bring years of accumulated expert medical knowledge to the public at-large in an easy-to digest format and to help countless individuals with ongoing spinal and health issues. Dr. Ken Hansraj is TV and media trained and has extensive experience with national outlets such as CNN, HLN, CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, NPR and has been featured globally. Cision® estimates his current media impressions at 7 Billion.

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Personal Contact

Ken Hansraj, M.D.

Cell: 914-414-0458

Email: drken@drken.us

Web: www.realspinesurgery.com

Chief of Spine Surgery

New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine

Attending Orthopedic Surgeon

Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Hudson Valley, NY

Fellowship Trained in Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

California Center for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery; Thousand Oaks, CA

Fellowship Trained in Spinal and Scoliosis Surgery

The Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York

Fellowship Trained in Orthopædic Biomechanics

The Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York

Board Certified, ABOS

American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons

Board Certified, ABMISSM

American Board of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery & Medicine

Board Certified, NMBE

National Board of Medical Examiners