July 29, 2009
Parents should be on lookout for backpack-related injuries
BY JAMES DEPIETRO
Guest Columnist
Soon children, teens and young adults will be returning to school. The backpack is the most common means for carrying books, lunches and other school-related objects.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission there are estimated to be 20,000 visits to emergency rooms, doctors' offices and clinics as a result of backpack-related injuries. The injuries from backpacks range from neck, back and shoulder strains to contusions and even fractures - from falls.
Back pain in children, teens and young adults is not uncommon, as it once was believed to be. If a child complains of neck, back or shoulder pain without a history of trauma, parents should consider that it might be because his or her backpack - or perhaps something more serious.
A recent study in Italy revealed that 60 percent of students who carried a backpack to school experienced back pain.
The American Chiropractic Association recommends that a backpack should not weigh more than 10 percent of a child's body weight. For example, 10 pounds maximum for a 100-pound child. This figure might vary, however, based on the child's body strength and fitness level.
In fact, some school districts are dealing with the backpack issue by enforcing laws to help reduce the amount of weight in backpacks. The California State Assembly passed legislation forcing school districts to restrict the weight of text books in an effort to reduce spinal injuries.
The most common signs that a backpack is too heavy include:
# Frequent change in posture while carrying the backpack.
# Excessive forward leaning to walk.
# Struggling to put on the backpack.
# Pain in any area while wearing the backpack.
# Tingling or numbness especially in the arms or hands.
# Red marks on the skin from the straps.
Some common safety tips to avoid backpack injuries include:
# Wear both shoulder straps evenly to properly distribute backpack weight.
# Get the correct size backpack for your child.
# The backpack should not extend below the lower back. Bigger is not better.
# Lighten the load and put the heaviest items in the backpack first keeping them the closest to the body.
# Lift the backpack with your legs and place it on one shoulder strap at a time.
# Do not leave backpacks on the floor to avoid someone tripping on them.
# Choose a quality backpack that has wide well-cushioned shoulder straps with a lumbar support/padding.
# Talk to teachers about reducing the need to bring home textbooks or if at all possible have an extra set for home use.
- This column was written by James DePietro, DC, FACO.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Recommendations
Here are some recommendations from Consumer Reports:
→ One size does not fit all. The bottom of the backpack should align with the curve of the lower back, and should not be more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack’s shoulder-strap anchor points should rest 1 to 2 inches below the top of the shoulders.
→ Inspect before you invest. Look for sloppy stitching or loose threads, which can indicate poor manufacturing. Raw, exposed fabric edges can fray and weaken the fabric or possibly get stuck in the zipper. Zippers should have fabric flaps to prevent moisture from seeping in.
→ Comfort, convenience and safety are important. Features to look for include wide, padded, contoured shoulder straps that distribute the pack’s load over a large area of the shoulder; an abdominal strap, which can help distribute the pack’s weight evenly on the back, waist and hips; and reflectors or reflective fabric on the pack to add visibility when kids travel to and from school at dusk or dawn.
→ Prevent injury with a lighter load. To prevent injury, load and wear the backpack correctly. The American Occupational Therapy Association recommends carrying no more than 15 percent of your body weight.
→ One size does not fit all. The bottom of the backpack should align with the curve of the lower back, and should not be more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack’s shoulder-strap anchor points should rest 1 to 2 inches below the top of the shoulders.
→ Inspect before you invest. Look for sloppy stitching or loose threads, which can indicate poor manufacturing. Raw, exposed fabric edges can fray and weaken the fabric or possibly get stuck in the zipper. Zippers should have fabric flaps to prevent moisture from seeping in.
→ Comfort, convenience and safety are important. Features to look for include wide, padded, contoured shoulder straps that distribute the pack’s load over a large area of the shoulder; an abdominal strap, which can help distribute the pack’s weight evenly on the back, waist and hips; and reflectors or reflective fabric on the pack to add visibility when kids travel to and from school at dusk or dawn.
→ Prevent injury with a lighter load. To prevent injury, load and wear the backpack correctly. The American Occupational Therapy Association recommends carrying no more than 15 percent of your body weight.
Safety
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Philadelphia, Pa.–Picking out the latest and greatest backpack is an end of summer tradition for many young students, but this essential back-to-school item has the potential to cause a lifetime of back and neck ailments.
“If too heavy or worn incorrectly, backpacks can strain muscles and joints, and cause serious back pain,” cautioned Paula Kramer, PhD, a licensed occupational therapist and chair of the Occupational Therapy Department at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that there were 7,300 reported backpack-related injuries treated in emergency rooms in 2006. Among the injuries, sprains and strains were the most common complaints.
“Heavy backpacks breed poor posture in children because they bend forward to compensate for the heavy load and this puts a strain on their backs and pressure on their disks,” said Dr. Kramer. “It is important for parents and school officials to understand that even if a backpack is light, if the weight is not distributed correctly, there can be long-term problems."
Dr. Kramer recommends the following tips to correctly choose and use a backpack:
· Select a backpack that is appropriate to the student’s size and age. Smaller backs will need smaller packs.
· Select a backpack with padded shoulder straps and always wear both straps in order to evenly distribute the load.
· Select a backpack with reflective material to help students to be more visible to buses and cars.
· A backpack should weigh no more than 10-15 percent of the student’s body weight.
· Load the heaviest items closest to the student’s back to help distribute weight evenly.
· Adjust shoulder straps so that the backpack fits snugly to the back.
· Clip the waist belt if the backpack has one. This helps to distribute the backpack’s weight more evenly.
· Consider purchasing sling-style bags, which better balance weight due to their triangular shape, or bags on wheels. With a sling-style bag, be sure to wear the strap over one shoulder and across the body.
“If children wear backpacks that are too heavy and packed improperly, they may be causing themselves a lifetime of aches and pains. If we can stress this to parents, then maybe we will see the number of children having achy backs decrease.”
At University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, students embark on a challenging learning experience in a proving ground for successful professionals in the healthcare-related fields. A private, coeducational institution dedicated to education, research, and service, and distinguished as the nation’s first college of pharmacy, the University has produced leaders in the healthcare marketplace since its founding in 1821, including founders of six of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world. With undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in such disciplines as pharmacy, bioinformatics, physical therapy, healthcare business, and health policy, the 3,000 students in the University of the Sciences’ five colleges learn to excel in scientific analysis and to apply their skills to improving healthcare in their communities and in the lives of people worldwide. For more information about University of the Sciences, visit www.usp.edu.
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HealthNewsDigest.com
“If too heavy or worn incorrectly, backpacks can strain muscles and joints, and cause serious back pain,” cautioned Paula Kramer, PhD, a licensed occupational therapist and chair of the Occupational Therapy Department at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that there were 7,300 reported backpack-related injuries treated in emergency rooms in 2006. Among the injuries, sprains and strains were the most common complaints.
“Heavy backpacks breed poor posture in children because they bend forward to compensate for the heavy load and this puts a strain on their backs and pressure on their disks,” said Dr. Kramer. “It is important for parents and school officials to understand that even if a backpack is light, if the weight is not distributed correctly, there can be long-term problems."
Dr. Kramer recommends the following tips to correctly choose and use a backpack:
· Select a backpack that is appropriate to the student’s size and age. Smaller backs will need smaller packs.
· Select a backpack with padded shoulder straps and always wear both straps in order to evenly distribute the load.
· Select a backpack with reflective material to help students to be more visible to buses and cars.
· A backpack should weigh no more than 10-15 percent of the student’s body weight.
· Load the heaviest items closest to the student’s back to help distribute weight evenly.
· Adjust shoulder straps so that the backpack fits snugly to the back.
· Clip the waist belt if the backpack has one. This helps to distribute the backpack’s weight more evenly.
· Consider purchasing sling-style bags, which better balance weight due to their triangular shape, or bags on wheels. With a sling-style bag, be sure to wear the strap over one shoulder and across the body.
“If children wear backpacks that are too heavy and packed improperly, they may be causing themselves a lifetime of aches and pains. If we can stress this to parents, then maybe we will see the number of children having achy backs decrease.”
At University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, students embark on a challenging learning experience in a proving ground for successful professionals in the healthcare-related fields. A private, coeducational institution dedicated to education, research, and service, and distinguished as the nation’s first college of pharmacy, the University has produced leaders in the healthcare marketplace since its founding in 1821, including founders of six of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world. With undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in such disciplines as pharmacy, bioinformatics, physical therapy, healthcare business, and health policy, the 3,000 students in the University of the Sciences’ five colleges learn to excel in scientific analysis and to apply their skills to improving healthcare in their communities and in the lives of people worldwide. For more information about University of the Sciences, visit www.usp.edu.
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Rules
"This is absolutely absurd," Tutak said. "There are so many things going on, they are implementing so many security rules.
"To expect people to purchase from the school district is ridiculous; there are plenty of people who cannot afford to buy their children these mandated backpacks."
Tutak adds although she is a parent greatly concerned with her kids' safety, she finds no issues at Highlands to warrant this rule.
She contends that the district is just following a national trend of overprotection.
"If people want to get something onto school grounds they will. Drugs, alcohol, weapons, they will find a way," Tutak said.
"Every school has issues," she said. "Highlands is decent. I get that there are some issues, but overall I feel safe as both a mother and employee."
Among other concerns, Tutak doesn't believe that the students will even follow the rule. She anticipates many problems and issues. She wonders where gym bags, athletic bags, hooded sweatshirts and girls' purses will fall in this new policy.
"To expect people to purchase from the school district is ridiculous; there are plenty of people who cannot afford to buy their children these mandated backpacks."
Tutak adds although she is a parent greatly concerned with her kids' safety, she finds no issues at Highlands to warrant this rule.
She contends that the district is just following a national trend of overprotection.
"If people want to get something onto school grounds they will. Drugs, alcohol, weapons, they will find a way," Tutak said.
"Every school has issues," she said. "Highlands is decent. I get that there are some issues, but overall I feel safe as both a mother and employee."
Among other concerns, Tutak doesn't believe that the students will even follow the rule. She anticipates many problems and issues. She wonders where gym bags, athletic bags, hooded sweatshirts and girls' purses will fall in this new policy.
Seatbelts
The topic as to why there are not seatbelts on a school bus has long been a debate. There are differing views by many.
Children have been taught to wear their seatbelts in the car. New drivers of any vehicle are taught to make sure they wear their seatbelt while driving as well as their passengers. But how many times do we see vehicles on the roadways where people are obviously not fastened in a seat belt. So in a bus load of children, there will be those that would not wear a seat belt since it is not done in their family car.
During training of bus drivers, one of the focuses is student management. During this discussion, we talk about how students should sit on the bus. Elementary students are given Bus Safety classes in their classroom where they are taught the chant “sit down, sit back, sit in.” Sitting down means sitting with their bottoms on the seat, not on a leg or sitting on a backpack. Sitting back means backs are on the backs of the seats and sitting in means sitting frontward with no legs in the aisle.
As a new bus driver, it was a question why there were no seatbelts on a bus. Issues became apparent as the journey begins. Consider the fact that students travel in a very strong encapsulated area. Statistics have proven that school bus transportation is the safest form of transportation. The worst place for a student is actually immediately outside of the bus.
Along with all these ideas is the fact that how many students would actually buckle their belt and how long would it take to leave an area until all belts are fastened. It is already apparent the public becomes inpatient with school buses especially at bus stops. A vigilant bus driver must keep an eye on the kids as they board and unboard. Add the additional time to unfasten or fasten the seat belt at their stop. What about those students that decide to unfasten and “play” with them. How about the “flicker” who uses the belt as a toy/weapon? Or how about the student that has a new white coat and the seat belt is somewhat soiled (even a vigilant driver would have difficulty keeping all those belts clean!)
Author: Sharon Schrantz
Children have been taught to wear their seatbelts in the car. New drivers of any vehicle are taught to make sure they wear their seatbelt while driving as well as their passengers. But how many times do we see vehicles on the roadways where people are obviously not fastened in a seat belt. So in a bus load of children, there will be those that would not wear a seat belt since it is not done in their family car.
During training of bus drivers, one of the focuses is student management. During this discussion, we talk about how students should sit on the bus. Elementary students are given Bus Safety classes in their classroom where they are taught the chant “sit down, sit back, sit in.” Sitting down means sitting with their bottoms on the seat, not on a leg or sitting on a backpack. Sitting back means backs are on the backs of the seats and sitting in means sitting frontward with no legs in the aisle.
As a new bus driver, it was a question why there were no seatbelts on a bus. Issues became apparent as the journey begins. Consider the fact that students travel in a very strong encapsulated area. Statistics have proven that school bus transportation is the safest form of transportation. The worst place for a student is actually immediately outside of the bus.
Along with all these ideas is the fact that how many students would actually buckle their belt and how long would it take to leave an area until all belts are fastened. It is already apparent the public becomes inpatient with school buses especially at bus stops. A vigilant bus driver must keep an eye on the kids as they board and unboard. Add the additional time to unfasten or fasten the seat belt at their stop. What about those students that decide to unfasten and “play” with them. How about the “flicker” who uses the belt as a toy/weapon? Or how about the student that has a new white coat and the seat belt is somewhat soiled (even a vigilant driver would have difficulty keeping all those belts clean!)
Author: Sharon Schrantz
Injury
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Help your child avoid lower back pain and injury this school year — follow these simple backpack safety tips.
When fully loaded, your child’s backpack should weigh less than 15 percent of his body weight. To help your child know what this weight feels like, use your bathroom scale to measure the right backpack load.
Buy a backpack with two wide, padded straps that go over the shoulders — and
make sure your child uses both straps at all times.
Choose a backpack with a padded waist or chest belt. This distributes weight
more evenly across the body. Multiple compartments also help distribute the
weight.
Your child’s backpack should not be wider than his body.
Consider a backpack with a metal frame (like hikers use) or on wheels (like a
flight attendant’s bag). Check with your child’s school first to see if these types of
bags are allowed.
Make sure your child isn’t toting unnecessary items. Laptops, CD players and
video games can add a lot of pounds to a backpack.
Heavier items should be placed closer to the back of the backpack, next to the
body.
Picking up the backpack properly is important. As with any heavy object, your
child should bend at the knees and grab the pack with both hands when lifting it
to his shoulders.
Encourage your child to develop stronger lower back and abdominal muscles —
this will help avoid back injury. Weight training and yoga are two activities that
can help strengthen these core muscles.
About Tips Provider:
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in the
country, is pleased to offer summer tips for parents and their children. Click on the links
for more information. Children's experts are also available for interviews pertaining to
these topics, as well as additional pediatric health care issues. Please contact Children's
24-hour, 7-day-a-week media pager at 404-570-9717 to reach a public relations
representative immediately.
Children's is a not-for-profit organization that benefits from the generous philanthropic
and volunteer support of our community. Operating three hospitals with more than half a
million patient visits annually, Children’s is recognized for excellence in cancer, cardiac,
neonatal, orthopaedic and transplant services, as well as many other pediatric
specialties. Visit our Web site at www.choa.org or call 404-250-KIDS to learn more about
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
HealthNewsDigest.com
When fully loaded, your child’s backpack should weigh less than 15 percent of his body weight. To help your child know what this weight feels like, use your bathroom scale to measure the right backpack load.
Buy a backpack with two wide, padded straps that go over the shoulders — and
make sure your child uses both straps at all times.
Choose a backpack with a padded waist or chest belt. This distributes weight
more evenly across the body. Multiple compartments also help distribute the
weight.
Your child’s backpack should not be wider than his body.
Consider a backpack with a metal frame (like hikers use) or on wheels (like a
flight attendant’s bag). Check with your child’s school first to see if these types of
bags are allowed.
Make sure your child isn’t toting unnecessary items. Laptops, CD players and
video games can add a lot of pounds to a backpack.
Heavier items should be placed closer to the back of the backpack, next to the
body.
Picking up the backpack properly is important. As with any heavy object, your
child should bend at the knees and grab the pack with both hands when lifting it
to his shoulders.
Encourage your child to develop stronger lower back and abdominal muscles —
this will help avoid back injury. Weight training and yoga are two activities that
can help strengthen these core muscles.
About Tips Provider:
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in the
country, is pleased to offer summer tips for parents and their children. Click on the links
for more information. Children's experts are also available for interviews pertaining to
these topics, as well as additional pediatric health care issues. Please contact Children's
24-hour, 7-day-a-week media pager at 404-570-9717 to reach a public relations
representative immediately.
Children's is a not-for-profit organization that benefits from the generous philanthropic
and volunteer support of our community. Operating three hospitals with more than half a
million patient visits annually, Children’s is recognized for excellence in cancer, cardiac,
neonatal, orthopaedic and transplant services, as well as many other pediatric
specialties. Visit our Web site at www.choa.org or call 404-250-KIDS to learn more about
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
HealthNewsDigest.com
Safety
Local Doctor Offers Back-to-School Backpack Safety Education and Free Backpack Screenings to Parents and Schools
Woodland Park NJ Doctor is working to educate parents, children and teachers about the injuries children are sustaining due to overloaded backpacks by offering free backpack screenings and education.
Woodland Park, NJ, July 26, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Dr. Ottavio Nepa of Woodland Park, NJ is offering parents and students backpack screenings and education on what he calls the “Backpack Predicament”. “There is an epidemic going on that is affecting many students and I want to do something about it,” Dr. Nepa says. “The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 7353 emergency room visits each year result from injuries related to backpacks. They also reported that backpack-related injuries are up 330% since 1996. This is an important issue and one that needs to be addressed.”
Parents are now in the throes of back-to-school planning, bringing their children to the dentist, the doctor, to buy clothes and supplies for the school year. Dr. Nepa is inviting parents to bring their children to his Woodland Park office with their fully loaded backpack. He will discuss proper fitting, proper packing, proper lifting, proper wearing, what to do and what not to do. “You would be surprised how many parents don’t know the weight of the load their kids are lugging everyday. There are simple ways to protect your child from injuries resulting from improper backpack usage and my goal is to reach and teach as many parents and children as possible.”
Dr. Nepa has practiced in the Little Falls and Woodland Park area for over 14 years and has dedicated much of his time speaking at churches, seniors groups, and other organizations. Parents and educators can contact Dr. Nepa at Atlas Chiropractic Center, 999 McBride Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ 973-237-1640, or visit him on the web at www.endyourpain.net to arrange a free screening for your children or your school.
###
Woodland Park NJ Doctor is working to educate parents, children and teachers about the injuries children are sustaining due to overloaded backpacks by offering free backpack screenings and education.
Woodland Park, NJ, July 26, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Dr. Ottavio Nepa of Woodland Park, NJ is offering parents and students backpack screenings and education on what he calls the “Backpack Predicament”. “There is an epidemic going on that is affecting many students and I want to do something about it,” Dr. Nepa says. “The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 7353 emergency room visits each year result from injuries related to backpacks. They also reported that backpack-related injuries are up 330% since 1996. This is an important issue and one that needs to be addressed.”
Parents are now in the throes of back-to-school planning, bringing their children to the dentist, the doctor, to buy clothes and supplies for the school year. Dr. Nepa is inviting parents to bring their children to his Woodland Park office with their fully loaded backpack. He will discuss proper fitting, proper packing, proper lifting, proper wearing, what to do and what not to do. “You would be surprised how many parents don’t know the weight of the load their kids are lugging everyday. There are simple ways to protect your child from injuries resulting from improper backpack usage and my goal is to reach and teach as many parents and children as possible.”
Dr. Nepa has practiced in the Little Falls and Woodland Park area for over 14 years and has dedicated much of his time speaking at churches, seniors groups, and other organizations. Parents and educators can contact Dr. Nepa at Atlas Chiropractic Center, 999 McBride Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ 973-237-1640, or visit him on the web at www.endyourpain.net to arrange a free screening for your children or your school.
###
Friday, July 10, 2009
Safety
Press release submitted by Palmer College of Chiropractic
Palmer Clinics Offer Free Health Talk on Chiropractic and Kids July 15
Chiropractic is for people of all ages, and can be especially beneficial for children. At a free community health talk presented by the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on Wednesday, July 15, area residents will learn how chiropractors can advise parents on children"s health and safety issues such as bicycle helmet and backpack safety, as well as scoliosis screenings, regular spinal check-ups and back-to-school and sports physicals.
Faculty doctors from Palmer, including Director of Chiropractic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury David Juehring, D.C., DACRB, and Faculty Clinician Steven Silverman, D.C., will discuss keeping kids safe and healthy from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Palmer Academic Health Center, Rm. 219, 1000 Brady St., Davenport. Parking is available in the clinic parking lot off Perry St.
Palmer Clinics Offer Free Health Talk on Chiropractic and Kids July 15
Chiropractic is for people of all ages, and can be especially beneficial for children. At a free community health talk presented by the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics on Wednesday, July 15, area residents will learn how chiropractors can advise parents on children"s health and safety issues such as bicycle helmet and backpack safety, as well as scoliosis screenings, regular spinal check-ups and back-to-school and sports physicals.
Faculty doctors from Palmer, including Director of Chiropractic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury David Juehring, D.C., DACRB, and Faculty Clinician Steven Silverman, D.C., will discuss keeping kids safe and healthy from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Palmer Academic Health Center, Rm. 219, 1000 Brady St., Davenport. Parking is available in the clinic parking lot off Perry St.
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