TEACHING children that pain is one of the body’s powerful protectors and that through small steps, it is possible to re-train the body and brain to manage pain better, Milperra’s Dr Joshua Pate is releasing the ‘Zoe and Zak’s Pain Hacks’ book series.
A pain scientist and physiotherapy lecturer at UTS in Sydney, the dad of three says pain costs Australia more than $130 billion a year and society often looks for quick fixes of pain whereas a longer plan may be less expensive and more productive.
“Research shows that, on average, a couple of kids in every classroom suffers from chronic or recurrent pain, whether that be tummy or back pain, headaches or limb pains, and after countless scans and doctors’ visits, so many families end up being told that nothing is wrong and are left feeling stuck,” he said.
“We also know that an adolescent with pain is more likely to have to manage pain as an adult.”
‘Zoe and Zak’s Pain Hacks’ are designed to help children learn and talk about pain with their family, friends, teachers and health professionals.
The first four books each address one key target concept, such as learning that pain does not necessarily mean your body is damaged, while the fifth book brings these learning outcomes together with an empowering action plan.
Josh says it’s exciting to be working in an area that helps children on their journey learning about pain and the various ways you can turn the volume of pain up or down.
“Pain is a bit like mental health in that hasn’t often been spoken about much, and I hope to put it on the radar to hopefully benefit many families,” he said.
Pre-order books: noigroup.com/product/zoe-and-zaks-pain-hacks.
Pain doctor books ease young fears
