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Podiatrist - Clark, NJ
1114 Raritan Road
Clark, NJ 07066

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Foot Notes

Posts for category: pediatric fitness

By Clark Podiatry Center
January 31, 2018
Category: pediatric fitness
Tags: Shoes   Martial Arts   active   dance   rock climbing   hike  

Technology really does surround us, becoming essential parts of everyone’s lives, including our children. Even babies know how to swipe left or right, push the “home” button, or zoom into a picture! So in this tech-obsessed world, how do we make sure that our children, especially our teenagers, spend less time on their phones, tablets, and laptops, and more time being active?

We’ve put together some top tips for getting kids off their phones, as well as creative ways to get them on their feet:

  1. Set an example. Yes, as adults, our lives can pretty much depend on phones and technology to keep our schedules, set reminders, and get us where we need to go. However, kids are more likely to follow our lead, and will be quick to point out that we are on our phones a lot as well! Try to make sure you’re not constantly on your phone, especially when you’re trying to spend time as a family.
  2. Set limits. Depending on the age groups, you may want to set time limits of how much screen time is allowed per day. Additionally, be sure to set limits on how they use technology, as the internet can be a dangerous place for children.
  3. Make rules for when phones should not be in their hands: at the breakfast, lunch, and dinner table; right before bed; while doing homework; and any other family time should be spent talking to each other. Enforce this rule, even when friends come over.
  4. Find more ways for children to spend time engaged in an activity (with the right shoes) so that they don’t even have the opportunity to have the phones in their hands. For example, ask them to help you prepare dinner or start a family project (painting a mural wall, building a treehouse, gardening, or building racing boats). For best results, find activities that your child(ren) seem interested in and will enjoy doing. And yes, you can ask your children for input. You can also suggest trying classes such as ball sports, martial arts, dance, rock climbing, or swimming. Bonus, invite friends so that they don’t have to spend time chatting on the phone since they can chat face-to-face!
  5. Spend time outdoors, where there is no cell phone reception. Yes, it seems like a trick, but it’s one that will work. Going for a hike in the woods, going for a bike ride (which requires two hands!), playing on the beach, and even walking through some malls!

Do your children complain of foot pain when they engage in phone-free activities? Make an appointment to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy at Clark Podiatry Center. He can assess your feet and give them the treatment or orthotic support they need. Come see him at our Clark, NJ office.

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January 02, 2017
Category: pediatric fitness
Tags: #NJCFHI  

Pediatric foot problems contribute to childhood obesity.  Watch this!

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By Clark Podiatry Center
November 09, 2016
Category: pediatric fitness
Tags: Walking   hiking   exercising  

The cold weather season is approaching – well, some of you already believe it has begun. While it is tempting to say “stay inside, it’s too cold,” you may be inadvertently reducing the amount of activity that your children engage in. Cold weather and warm, children (and parents, and older adults) need to stay active year-round to stay in shape and keep healthy. So what are some ways to keep children active?

At Clark Podiatry Center, we encourage our patients and their families to keep their bodies healthy and strong. Using the cold is not enough to warrant less activity. So here are a few guidelines and helpful tips to keep families engaged and moving:

  • If it’s possible, have your children walk to school – and you can walk with them! This will give them a jump start on activity each day (and will be safe if you go with them).
  • Limit the hours spent watching TV – for children and for yourself. While the shows you watch may not be for the children, if they know that you are watching, they are more likely to watch more television as well.
  • While you’re at it, limit hours spent on computers, tablets, and phones as well.
  • Invest in active games, such as Twister or even Wii sports games or dancing games to increase fun as well as activity. These days, virtual reality headsets are also gaining popularity, but make sure that children use them for active games, and only for a short time each time.
  • Go on family walks, especially if you have a dog. This could be after school or after dinner, but make sure that you are in safe and brightly lit neighborhoods as fall and winter makes for evenings that get dark early.
  • Have family competition nights. This can be an hour or so of tracking records of physical activities, such as most steps on the pedometer, number of pushups, hula hooping, and holding planks.
  • Join a local indoor pool for swim lessons or time just recreational play in the water. There are also other great indoor activities, such as bowling or rock climbing.
  • Last, but not least, take your children to fall or winter activities like hiking, organized fall sports, skiing, snowboarding, etc. If it snows enough, older children can help with shoveling – and better yet, have snowball fights or build a snowman!

Remember to always dress for the weather – more layers are better than not enough. Staying hydrated in the dry winters are also important. If you have any questions or concerns about staying active with your family, especially when it comes to staying mobile (using your feet), come see our board-certified foot doctor, Brandon Macy, DPM. He and his team will be more than happy to help you at our Clark, NJ office. Make an appointment today!

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1114 Raritan Road
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Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470