NAIROBI, Kenya 14 October 2016 – On Monday, October 17, 2016, the Ministry of Health will be joined by relevant government agencies and friends of the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital to celebrate the World Spine Day 2016.
This year’s theme, “Straighten Up and Move,” highlights the importance of proper posture and movement, which promotes body awareness and reduces the day-to-day wear and tear on a person’s spine.
Millions of people in all continents of the world suffer with spinal disorders. These can include low back pain, neck pain, scoliosis and disc disease, to name but a few. Spinal pain and disability can have a profound effect on a person’s overall health, sometimes preventing them from working or even doing simple daily activities.
According to the World Health Organization, one in four adults is not active enough and over 80 percent of the adolescent population is not active enough. The Global Burden of Disease Study, published in The Lancet in 2012, states that over 630 million people worldwide suffer from back pain.
In Kenya, road accidents, domestic and industrial accidents continue to be the major causes of spinal cord injuries. The intent of WSD is to bring people from all walks of life – patients, health providers, health care organizations, associations and governments to help ease this global burden. In order to gain momentum and effectively do this, we need to work collaboratively together in the prevention and management of these types of disorders.
It is important to understand that the changes you make to your daily activities can improve your posture and prevent spinal injuries or conditions through effective management. These changes can include: exercising at least 30 minutes a day; getting regular chiropractic adjustments to help with nerve function; lifting properly to reduce pressure on the back muscles; limiting usage of electronic devices, which can cause improper posture affecting the neck and spine among others.
Join us as we “Straighten Up and Move” to promote the improvement of posture and body-core at the National Spinal Injury Referral Hospital.
Tell us how you prevent injury and stay well with #StraightenUp&Move Use our hashtag to share: Your tips to prevent back injury; Your exercises; Your healthy habits