Backpacks can be a Pain...

As back-to-school is around the corner, it's about "that" time again to be buying school supplies.   A backpack is something every kid needs, and can be a daily hazard. More than 7,000 emergency room visits in 2001 were related to backpacks and book bags. Approximately half of those injuries occurred in children 5 -14 year of age. Children today are using their backpacks as portable lockers. Not only are children carrying  traditional school items such as lunches, books, pencils and paper; now they may carry  clothing, gym shoes, art work, musical instruments, cell phones, and CD players. Backpacks should weigh between five and 10 pounds for elementary students.  For older children, backpacks should weigh no more than 15 to 20 pounds. Many parents don't  realize how heavy their child's backpack is until their child starts complaining of pain or  experiencing discomfort.  Heavy backpacks that are worn the wrong way can cause compressed nerves, and back and  neck pain. Over time, the muscles adapt to permanent poor posture, often leading to back problems and  other injuries. For many, lifetime back pain can begin in middle school. Choose a pack: Select a backpack with well-padded straps. The shoulders and neck are rich  in blood vessels and nerves that when constricted can cause pain and tingling in the neck,  arms and hands. The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back.  It should never rest more than four inches below the child’s waistline. Loading a pack: Never allow a child to carry more than 15% of his or her body weight.  That means a child who weighs 100 pounds should not carry a school backpack that weighs more  than 15 pounds. Load heaviest items closest to the child’s back Pack items neatly and organized to keep books and materials from sliding around in the pack,  shifting the weight. Wearing a Pack: Always wear both shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly. Wearing a pack  slung over one shoulder can cause a person to lean to one side and curve the spine. Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack fits snugly to the child’s back. A pack that hangs loosely from  the back can pull the child backwards and strain muscles between the shoulders.  Your child should: bend his/her legs and readjust the straps when putting on the backpack. use proper posture once the backpack is in place. use a high-quality backpack that has well-padded shoulder straps and adjustable straps at the chest and waist to better distribute the weight. re-adjust the straps on the backpack every time it’s he/she uses it to make sure the weight is properly supported. clean out his/her backpack at the end of each day and take out any unnecessary items. use a backpack that has several compartments. This will help to distribute the weight better. leave items such as running shoes, gym clothes, and water bottles at school in a gym bag or locker instead of carrying them home every day. keep a second set of books at home when possible. Your child should not: carry his/her backpack over one shoulder. This will cause them to walk differently and can cause muscles to tire and strain. This can cause/ aggravate scoliosis. pack too much in the backpack. lean forward while carrying the backpack. This is an indication that the straps have not been properly adjusted or that the load is too heavy    carry unnecessary items in the backpack.                                                                   “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”