Overloaded backpacks used by children have received a lot of attention from parents, doctors, school administrators and the media in the past several years.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends the following tips for your child ‘s backpack.
1) Do not overload the backpack. Make sure a child’s backpack weighs no more than 15 to 20 per cent of the child’s body weight. This figure may vary, however, depending on the child’s body strength and fitness. A heavy backpack forces the wearer to bend forward.
2) Do not buy a backpack that hangs more than four inches below the waistline. Backpacks that hang too low increase weight on the shoulders.
3) Use both shoulder straps. A pack slung over one shoulder shifts the weighs to one side, causing muscle spasms and low back pain.
4) Use a waist/ hip strap to distribute weight evenly between the back and the hips.
5) Look for padded and adjustable shoulder straps to prevent straps from digging into the shoulder.
6) Choose a backpack on wheels if the school allows it.
7) Place heaviest items closest to the back, but be sure pointed or sharp objects are pointed away from the back.
8) Use proper lifting techniques: bend at the knees and use the legs to lift the pack placing one shoulder strap on at a time.
9) Make frequent trips to the locker between classes to replace books.
Thanks,
Health , NoV-2012
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