But The Natural Health Centre can help, in so many ways.

Counselling, or hypnotherapy, can help tackle the difficulties associated with growing up, becoming independent, and coming to terms with modern life.

Homeopathy can help with the physical challenge of growth and development, as well as boosting the immune system.

Reflexology can help with skin problems, such as eczema.

EXAMS ?   Reflexology is widely used in Asia to improve exam performance, backed by studies undertaken by the Singapore Air Force which linked reflexology to improved scores in a range of tests. A number of parents in Shropshire have attributed their children's exam success to a few sessions of reflexology in the lead-up to examination time in May/June.

Teenagers and their backs

More and more evidence indicates that children get back pain and, furthermore, it appears that adolescents who experience back pain often take it with them into adulthood.  Results vary but studies have found that between 13% and 50% of teenagers have already had episodes of back pain.  It could be that as many as two in every class of 15-18 year olds experience back pain on a recurrent or chronic basis.

Over a decade ago, a survey found that many school children were carrying heavy, poorly designed bags to school.  For many kids, playing computer games and watching TV are more popular activities than exercise and sport.  They would much rather come home from school and spend the evening in front of the television or computer than let off steam in active sporting or leisure pursuits.

There is nothing in the national curriculum to tell children about the correct use of their bodies.  To make matters worse, schools have reduced the amount of time allocated to physical education (PE).  In some cases, only one hour a week is devoted to PE - a woefully inadequate amount when compared with the recommended minimum of 20 minutes a day for healthy adults.  In fact there is nothing in the national curriculum to tell children about the correct use of their bodies.

Another significant comparison is between adults' and children's use of computers.  In the workplace, employers are subject to strict health and safety regulations when requiring their staff to use computers.  At home, children are often allowed to spend many hours hunched over a keyboard or console, without breaks, in unsuitable chairs and with inappropriate lighting, leading to poor posture.  If nothing is done about it, it can develop into a serious condition in later life.  When they reach working age, they will have to follow strict manual handling guidelines in the workplace - but by then it may be too late.  A survey of the school bag weight carried by secondary school children found that 30% of the children surveyed carried bags weighing over 10% of their body weight, placing unnecessary stress on the growing adolescent spine and potentially predisposing them to low back pain.

Many back injuries that children and adolescents sustain in sports or other recreational activities are mild contusions, sprains, and strains.  Pain may result from injury or overuse of the many muscles or joints of the back.  Since most children are extremely active, they rarely suffer from the post exercise soreness seen in adults.