Tough love

A few years ago, my son asked me why the newly planted trees around my office were tied to a couple of sticks. I told him that the young trees without support may break due to strong winds. The harness around the trees were very sturdy and often left a mark on the trees. I also said it may look painful for the trees to be "restricted". However, that's what I called "tough love".

Recently a few teenage patients came to see us for back pain or simply scoliosis. There are also adults who have the same problem, however, that's not what we want to address in this blog. It's sad to see young patients quietly develop this problem which will surely affect the quality of their later life. Of course, acupuncture, massage, yoga, exercise, correcting harness, etc could help these young patients but it would take time. In some severe cases, major surgeries are recommended as the last straw.

Many factors contribute to scoliosis. However, the lack of parental supervision on postures could be the major one. Parents nowadays are trying to provide the best they could: food, clothes, smart phones, computers, cars, you name it. However, parents' love is still not complete if you've never paid enough attention to how your children sit, stand, or walk. It's understandable that few teenagers want to hear anything, especially corrections, from their parents. But you still have to say it and repeat until they correct it. When I yelled to my kids with "sit straight" or "tie your shoes laces", I meant to see immediate corrections. They know I AM A TOUGH DAD!

Teenage patients never knew how much the tough love means to them until their parents have to shuttle them to doctors and pay for those expensive visits.

Parents, watch your kids! Kids, listen to your parents!

Frank He, L. Ac., QME

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