Trick or treating in Port Credit is a lot of fun. Kids race from porch to porch along the side streets near the lakeshore, and by the end of the night that candy bag can feel surprisingly heavy. Parents often end up carrying it too, along with a sleepy kid, a flashlight and a phone.
So how do you carry the candy haul home without your back complaining? A few small habits can make the walk easier on everyone’s back, neck and shoulders. Here are our four candy bag tips, with a little more on why each one helps.
How to Carry the Candy Haul: 4 Tips for Kids and Parents
1. Bend Your Knees to Pick up the Bag
When the bag is on the ground, bend your knees and lift with your legs instead of bending over at the waist. Your leg muscles are built for this kind of work, and keeping your back fairly upright means it does less of the heavy lifting. Lift with your legs, not your back. Show your kids how to do it too. It is a good habit for backpacks, hockey bags and groceries all year.
2. Keep the Bag Close and the Phone in Your Pocket
A bag held close to your body feels lighter than the same bag held out at arm’s length, because your shoulders and lower back don’t have to work as hard to balance it. Put your phone in your pocket while you walk. Looking down at a screen while carrying a load means your head tips forward and your neck takes on extra work, and you also see less of the curb and steps in front of you. More phone habits: phone posture tips for Port Credit.
3. Switch Sides Often
Carrying a bag on the same side all night means the same muscles do all the work. Every few houses, switch hands or shoulders. It spreads the load and gives each side a short break.
4. Choose a Two Strap Bag for Kids
For little ones, two straps beat one hand. A pillowcase or a single handle bag pulls to one side. A backpack style bag with two straps, worn on both shoulders, spreads the weight more evenly. Adjust the straps so the bag sits snug against the upper back, not hanging low near the hips.
Carrying a Sleepy Kid and a Heavy Bag Home
By the last few houses, plenty of little ones want to be carried. The same ideas apply. Hold your child close to your chest instead of out to one side, and switch sides when one arm gets tired. Bend your knees when you pick them up or set them down. If you can, hand the candy bag to another adult or tuck it into a stroller so you are not carrying both at once.
One more small thing: check that costume hems sit clear of the ankles. Long capes and dresses can catch on porch steps, and a quick hem or safety pin can help kids see and use the stairs more easily.
When to See a Chiropractor in Port Credit
Most aches from one busy night settle on their own. If back pain, neck pain or shoulder discomfort from lifting, carrying or long hours on your phone keeps coming back, or makes everyday tasks harder, it may be worth having it looked at.
At MyHealth Care Centre, we start with a thorough assessment and explain what we find in plain language. If chiropractic care or physiotherapy is a good fit for you, we’ll talk through a plan together. If something else would suit you better, we’ll tell you that too.
- Learn about chiropractic care in Port Credit
- Learn about physiotherapy in Port Credit
- See our short weekly tips page for this week’s quick version
Dr. Mike Skiby is a registered chiropractor in Ontario, a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario, and Clinic Director at MyHealth Care Centre.
See Our Halloween Social Posts
These tips started as our “How to Carry the Candy Haul” carousel on social. Want them sent to you? Comment CANDY on that post and we’ll send you the 4 candy carrying tips. And send this to whoever’s on candy duty October 31.
About MyHealth Care Centre
MyHealth Care Centre is at 137 Queen St E in Port Credit, Mississauga. We’re open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, with weekends by appointment. Call us at 905-271-9333 or book online.
General information, not medical advice.