Physiotherapists Conduct “Preventive Spine Health” Training in Iskele Primary Schools
“Protecting Spine Health: Training Program Benefits Primary School Children”
A new initiative called “Basic Body Awareness Therapies” has been launched to protect the spine health of primary school children. The program, known as the “StandUp Right/Standing Upright is Good” project, is organized by the Turkish Cypriot Physiotherapists Association and financed by the European Union (EU) Aid Program for the Turkish Cypriot community.
The first regional training session recently took place, with the aim of educating and raising awareness among primary school children. A total of 527 students from Ziyamet Primary School and Şehit İlker Karter Primary School participated in the training sessions held on October 11 and October 25, respectively. The students were provided with a seminar on “Preventive Spine Health” and were taught exercises that they can incorporate into their daily routines to safeguard their spine health.
The training primarily targeted students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Expert physiotherapists explained the importance of preventive spine health and demonstrated exercises that can be easily performed by the students in their daily lives.
One of the key highlights of the training was the emphasis on carrying school bags correctly to ensure spine health. Children between the ages of 8 and 11, which are crucial years for bone development, were instructed on how to carry their bags properly and how to maintain correct posture in various situations. The training also highlighted the significance of maintaining good posture during everyday activities and included practical exercises.
The training sessions were conducted by Basic Body Awareness Therapy Trainers and Pediatric Rehabilitation Specialists, including Fzt. Burcu Tokgöz, Fzt. Aytül Özdil, Fzt. Emine Kütüküt, Fzt. Mehmet Miçooğulları, and Asst. Assoc. Dr. Melis Sahilli Bağkur. School administrators, physical education teachers, and classroom teachers were also present during the training, which was facilitated by Hüseyin Özkader.
Münevver Özakalın, the Project Coordinator, provided further information regarding the upcoming training sessions. In total, the program aims to reach 10 primary schools across 5 regions. For inquiries and details, individuals can reach out to [email protected]
This initiative serves as a crucial step in promoting spinal health awareness among primary school children. By instilling good habits at a young age, it is hoped that these children will continue to prioritize their spine health into adulthood, ensuring long-lasting well-being and preventing future complications.
