Healthier backs for 115 kids thanks to OSC
A local charity says more than 100 underprivileged children will benefit from an Operation Santa Claus-funded charitable project aimed at improving spine health. The project "Children Complimentary Chiropractic Care Program", by the Children Chiropractic Foundation, is one of 16 causes to receive funds from this year's Magic Moment-themed OSC campaign, which is jointly organised by RTHK and the South China Morning Post. The project educates families – especially those under a social welfare programme or living in subdivided flats – on spine health, and offers early screening for spinal defects in children. 115 children at risk will receive free chiropractic care such as spinal adjustment and rehabilitative exercises to enhance sports performance and prevent more postural problems in future. Speaking to RTHK's Angie Man, the charity's Chief Executive, Cindy Tsang, said children with a dislocated or misaligned spine face many difficulties. "For the kids, especially those who live in [subdivided] flats, living space is very limited for them to do exercise... Sometimes a busy schedule and [online] classes also affect their posture," she said. Tsang added that caregivers are not always able to help children with spinal defects because many lack awareness and the financial means to do so. "Most caregivers do not have enough knowledge of the spinal health problem... When a kid's spinal problem has been found, families are also unable to cope with the expensive medical expenses." One such family is that of a 10-year-old boy, Andy, who signed up for the project because of a back issue. He said the free services allowed him to improve his health. "I received one chiropractic examination, eight spinal adjustment sessions, and two spinal exercises for free. After each adjustment session, I used some rehabilitation tools in the centre. Now, my round back has improved. It also improved my nasal allergy. My snoring had also gone," he said, thanking OSC and other supporters of the "amazing" project. If you want to find out more about Operation Santa Claus or wish to make a donation, visit the Operation Santa Claus website.