August 13, 2014 at 3:03 p.m.
Backpack safety important as school year approaches
Backpack safety important as school year approaches
According to KidsHealth.org, backpacks are helpful tools for lugging around books and other items needed for every school day, but they can also cause back pain and strained muscles.
The best way to make sure a backpack doesn't harm a child is to make sure it isn't too heavy.
KidsHealth.org says most doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids not carry backpacks heavier than 10 to 15 percent of their body weight.
Making sure the pack fits properly is equally important, according to the website.
Backpacks should have two wide, padded straps as narrow straps can dig into shoulders and interfere with circulation and nerves. Both straps should be used at all times, experts say. Using just one strap isn't as effective at distributing the weight and can cause muscle strains.
Backpacks should also have a waist belt. The belt helps to distribute the weight evenly. Packs should contain multiple compartments and a padded back. It's also important to choose a lightweight backpack that doesn't add a lot of weight to an already heavy load.
Once a proper backpack is selected, the website says there are a few things parents and children can do to keep the loads in check.
For starters, kids should be encouraged to utilize their locker and desk frequently throughout the school day instead of trying to haul around an entire day's worth of books.
Making sure students carry only the necessities helps lighten the load. The same holds true when deciding what to bring home from school for the night.
Making use of all of the backpack's compartments is key. This helps to keep the weight evenly distributed to help avoid strains and aches.
For worried parents, KidsHealth.org also lists a few things to watch out for. It says backpacks may need to be adjusted if children are experiencing back pain, seem to be struggling to get the pack on or off or are seen leaning forward when carrying their backpack.
The professionals at Allied Health Chiropractic Center in Rhinelander have provided a few tips to keep students safe and healthy.
Here are their suggestions:
• Put the heaviest items in the bottom of the backpack
• Put the heaviest items as close to the body as possible
• Make sure the majority of the weight is carried by the hip belt
• Understand that the shoulder straps are only meant to stabilize the backpack and not to carry the weight
• Be efficient with what you pack.
• Adjust the backpack to maximize the fit to the body frame
• Put items in multiple compartments to distribute the weight of the backpack
More information and safety tips can be found at kidshealth.org.
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.