Back to School — Backpack Guidelines
According to a University of
Michigan study, up to 60% of children will experience back pain
by the time they reach age 18. Keeping kids healthy is a full
time job. Reducing the stress on their spine can help make that
job a little easier. Here are a few simple guidelines to follow
when picking out the backpack for the year.future problems from
developing.
Functionality and safety are much more important than
fashion. Your children may not like your decision right now,
but tell them they will appreciate it when they are 40. You can
always blame it on us too!
- Choose a backpack-type bag
with two straps rather than the “over -the -shoulder” type
with one strap.
- Straps should have
adequate padding to make the bag comfortable.
- Straps should be
adjustable to fit the child’s torso and hold the bag snug
against the back.
- Find a bag with a padded
back. This will protect against anything sharp inside the
bag and increase comfort.
- A waist strap can help
distribute the pack weight more evenly and put a majority of
the weight over the strongest part of the spine—the pelvis.
- The bag itself should be
lightweight and total weight should never exceed 15% of the
child’s body weight.
Instructing children on proper backpack use is very
important.
- Always use both shoulder
straps. If the bag has waist and chest straps, use them as
well.
- Only pack necessary books
in the bag to minimize the weight.
- Pack largest and heaviest
books closest to the wearers back.
- Use good posture while
wearing the pack. If the child leans forward with the pack
on, it is probably too heavy.
Keep these guidelines in mind when picking out the pack and
watch for the signs of the pack being too heavy. Children
should have their spines checked regularly to keep them in
tip-top shape.
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