TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - It may be just another school supply, but it's one that may be causing extra stress on your child.
It may be colorful and trendy, but backpacks could cause your child pain or even scoliosis
A backpack should never be more than 15 percent of your child's body weight and it should not rest lower than the base of the child's back.
That's why the Hand and Upper Extremity Rehab Clinic in Terre Haute is offering a free Backpack Safety 101 program for parents.
Occupational Therapist Ashim Bakshi said it may come to a surprise for some parents, but it's one that should be taken seriously.
"The muscular skeletal system continues to grow during this age group so it's important that you don't put undo stress on all these parts," Bakshi said.
Children wearing the wrong backpack can start feeling pain after 3 to 4 months.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Backpain
Backpack safety for children
Reshma Chowdhury
Backpack safety
Backpacks come in all sizes, colors, fabrics, and shapes and help kids of all ages express their own personal sense of style. And when used properly, they're incredibly handy.
Many packs feature multiple compartments that help students stay organized while they tote their books and papers from home to school and back again. Compared with shoulder bags, messenger bags, or purses, backpacks are better because the strongest muscles in the body - the back and the abdominal muscles - support the weight of the packs.
When worn correctly, the weight in a backpack is evenly distributed across the body, and shoulder and neck injuries are less common than if someone carried a briefcase or purse.
As practical as backpacks are, though, they can strain muscles and joints and may cause back pain if they're too heavy or are used incorrectly. Here's how to help kids find the right backpack.
Problems Backpacks Can Pose
Although many factors can lead to back pain - increased participation in sports or exercise, poor posture while sitting, and long periods of inactivity - some kids have backaches because they're lugging around their entire locker's worth of books, school supplies, and assorted personal items all day long. But most doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their packs.
To help understand how heavy backpacks can affect a kid's body, it helps to understand how the back works. The spine is made of 33 bones called vertebrae, and between the vertebrae are discs that act as natural shock absorbers.
When a heavy weight, such as a backpack filled with books, is incorrectly placed on the shoulders, the weight's force can pull a child backward. To compensate, a child may bend forward at the hips or arch the back, which can cause the spine to compress unnaturally. The heavy weight might cause some kids to develop shoulder, neck, and back pain.
Kids who wear their backpacks over just one shoulder - as many do, because they think it looks better - may end up leaning to one side to offset the extra weight. They might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck.
Improper backpack use can also lead to poor posture. Girls and younger kids may be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries because they're smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight.
Also, backpacks with tight, narrow straps that dig into the shoulders can interfere with circulation and nerves. These types of straps can contribute to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands.
And bulky or heavy backpacks don't just cause back injuries. Other safety issues to consider:
Kids who carry large packs often aren't aware of how much space the packs take up and can hit others with their packs when turning around or moving through tight spaces, such as the aisles of the school bus.
Students are often injured when they trip over large packs or the packs fall on them.
Carrying a heavy pack changes the way a person walks and increases the risk of falling, particularly on stairs or other places where the backpack puts the student off balance.
Purchasing a Safe Pack
Despite their potential problems, backpacks are an excellent tool for kids when used properly. But before you buy that trendy new backpack your kid or teen has been begging you for, consider the backpack's construction.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents look for the following when choosing the right backpack:
a lightweight pack that doesn't add a lot of weight to your child's load (for example, even though leather packs look cool, they weigh more than traditional canvas backpacks)
two wide, padded shoulder straps; straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders
a padded back, which not only provides increased comfort, but also protects kids from being poked by sharp edges on objects (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack
a waist belt, which helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the body
multiple compartments, which can also help distribute the weight more evenly
Although packs on wheels (which look like small, overhead luggage bags) may be good options for students who have to lug around really heavy loads, they're extremely difficult to pull up stairs and to roll through snow. Check with the school before buying a rolling pack; many schools don't allow them because they can pose a tripping hazard in the hallways.
Using Backpacks Wisely
To help kids prevent injury when using a backpack:
Lighten the load. No matter how well-designed the backpack, doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry packs of no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight - but less is always better. If you don't know what that 10% to 15% feels like, use the bathroom scale (for example, the backpack of a child who weighs 80 pounds shouldn't weigh more than 8 to 12 pounds).
Use and pick up the backpack properly. Make sure kids use both shoulder straps. Bags that are slung over the shoulder or across the chest - or that only have one strap - aren't as effective at distributing the weight as bags with two wide shoulder straps, and therefore may strain muscles. Also tighten the straps enough for the backpack to fit closely to the body and sit 2 inches (5 centimeters) above the waist.
A lot of the responsibility for packing lightly - and safely - rests with kids:
Encourage kids to use their locker or desk frequently throughout the day instead of carrying the entire day's worth of books in the backpack.
Make sure kids don't toting unnecessary items - laptops, CD players, and video games can add extra pounds to a pack.
Encourage kids to bring home only the books needed for homework or studying each night.
Ask about homework planning. A heavier pack on Fridays might mean that a child is procrastinating on homework until the weekend, making for an unnecessarily heavy backpack.
Picking up the backpack the right way can also help kids avoid back injuries. As with any heavy weight, they should bend at the knees and grab the pack with both hands when lifting a backpack to the shoulders.
Use all of the backpack's compartments, putting heavier items, such as textbooks, closest to the center of the back.
Being a Safe Backpack Advocate
Involving other parents and your child's school in solving students' backpack burdens might help to lessen kids' loads. Some ways the school can get involved include:allowing students more time in between classes to use lockers purchasing paperback books implementing school education programs about safe backpack use purchasing books on CD-ROM or putting some curriculum on the school's website, when possible
You may need to adjust kids' backpacks and/or reduce how much they carry if they struggle to get the backpack on or off have back pain lean forward to carry the backpack
If your child has back pain or numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, talk to your chiropractor, doctor or physical therapist.
Reshma Chowdhury
Backpack safety
Backpacks come in all sizes, colors, fabrics, and shapes and help kids of all ages express their own personal sense of style. And when used properly, they're incredibly handy.
Many packs feature multiple compartments that help students stay organized while they tote their books and papers from home to school and back again. Compared with shoulder bags, messenger bags, or purses, backpacks are better because the strongest muscles in the body - the back and the abdominal muscles - support the weight of the packs.
When worn correctly, the weight in a backpack is evenly distributed across the body, and shoulder and neck injuries are less common than if someone carried a briefcase or purse.
As practical as backpacks are, though, they can strain muscles and joints and may cause back pain if they're too heavy or are used incorrectly. Here's how to help kids find the right backpack.
Problems Backpacks Can Pose
Although many factors can lead to back pain - increased participation in sports or exercise, poor posture while sitting, and long periods of inactivity - some kids have backaches because they're lugging around their entire locker's worth of books, school supplies, and assorted personal items all day long. But most doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their packs.
To help understand how heavy backpacks can affect a kid's body, it helps to understand how the back works. The spine is made of 33 bones called vertebrae, and between the vertebrae are discs that act as natural shock absorbers.
When a heavy weight, such as a backpack filled with books, is incorrectly placed on the shoulders, the weight's force can pull a child backward. To compensate, a child may bend forward at the hips or arch the back, which can cause the spine to compress unnaturally. The heavy weight might cause some kids to develop shoulder, neck, and back pain.
Kids who wear their backpacks over just one shoulder - as many do, because they think it looks better - may end up leaning to one side to offset the extra weight. They might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck.
Improper backpack use can also lead to poor posture. Girls and younger kids may be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries because they're smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight.
Also, backpacks with tight, narrow straps that dig into the shoulders can interfere with circulation and nerves. These types of straps can contribute to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands.
And bulky or heavy backpacks don't just cause back injuries. Other safety issues to consider:
Kids who carry large packs often aren't aware of how much space the packs take up and can hit others with their packs when turning around or moving through tight spaces, such as the aisles of the school bus.
Students are often injured when they trip over large packs or the packs fall on them.
Carrying a heavy pack changes the way a person walks and increases the risk of falling, particularly on stairs or other places where the backpack puts the student off balance.
Purchasing a Safe Pack
Despite their potential problems, backpacks are an excellent tool for kids when used properly. But before you buy that trendy new backpack your kid or teen has been begging you for, consider the backpack's construction.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents look for the following when choosing the right backpack:
a lightweight pack that doesn't add a lot of weight to your child's load (for example, even though leather packs look cool, they weigh more than traditional canvas backpacks)
two wide, padded shoulder straps; straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders
a padded back, which not only provides increased comfort, but also protects kids from being poked by sharp edges on objects (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack
a waist belt, which helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the body
multiple compartments, which can also help distribute the weight more evenly
Although packs on wheels (which look like small, overhead luggage bags) may be good options for students who have to lug around really heavy loads, they're extremely difficult to pull up stairs and to roll through snow. Check with the school before buying a rolling pack; many schools don't allow them because they can pose a tripping hazard in the hallways.
Using Backpacks Wisely
To help kids prevent injury when using a backpack:
Lighten the load. No matter how well-designed the backpack, doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry packs of no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight - but less is always better. If you don't know what that 10% to 15% feels like, use the bathroom scale (for example, the backpack of a child who weighs 80 pounds shouldn't weigh more than 8 to 12 pounds).
Use and pick up the backpack properly. Make sure kids use both shoulder straps. Bags that are slung over the shoulder or across the chest - or that only have one strap - aren't as effective at distributing the weight as bags with two wide shoulder straps, and therefore may strain muscles. Also tighten the straps enough for the backpack to fit closely to the body and sit 2 inches (5 centimeters) above the waist.
A lot of the responsibility for packing lightly - and safely - rests with kids:
Encourage kids to use their locker or desk frequently throughout the day instead of carrying the entire day's worth of books in the backpack.
Make sure kids don't toting unnecessary items - laptops, CD players, and video games can add extra pounds to a pack.
Encourage kids to bring home only the books needed for homework or studying each night.
Ask about homework planning. A heavier pack on Fridays might mean that a child is procrastinating on homework until the weekend, making for an unnecessarily heavy backpack.
Picking up the backpack the right way can also help kids avoid back injuries. As with any heavy weight, they should bend at the knees and grab the pack with both hands when lifting a backpack to the shoulders.
Use all of the backpack's compartments, putting heavier items, such as textbooks, closest to the center of the back.
Being a Safe Backpack Advocate
Involving other parents and your child's school in solving students' backpack burdens might help to lessen kids' loads. Some ways the school can get involved include:allowing students more time in between classes to use lockers purchasing paperback books implementing school education programs about safe backpack use purchasing books on CD-ROM or putting some curriculum on the school's website, when possible
You may need to adjust kids' backpacks and/or reduce how much they carry if they struggle to get the backpack on or off have back pain lean forward to carry the backpack
If your child has back pain or numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, talk to your chiropractor, doctor or physical therapist.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Safety
Dr. Ernest Levister, Jr.
Dear Dr. Levister: My two sons dread carrying backpacks during school. They complain of back pain. What are the rules for selecting and wearing backpacks? G. R.
Dear G.R.: Backpacks are a popular and practical way for children and teenagers to carry school books and supplies.
When used correctly, backpacks can be a good way to carry the necessities of the school day. Be sure your child’s school allows students to stop at their lockers throughout the day. Do not ignore any back pain in a child or teenager. Ask your pediatrician or health care professional for advice.
Backpacks are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the body’s strongest muscles. However, backpacks that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause problems. Improperly used backpacks may injure muscles and joints. This can lead to severe back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as long term posture problems. Share these guidelines to help your kids select backpacks and use them safely.
Doctors recommend that kid’s backpacks should not be more than 15% of their total body weight. When choosing a backpack. Look for wide, padded features with two shoulder straps.
Backpacks with one narrow strap can dig into the shoulders.
This can cause pain and restrict circulation. A padded backpack protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack and increases comfort. A lightweight backpack with a waist strap can distribute the weight of a heavy load more evenly. If you’re going to carry a heavy backpack make sure you use the hip strap, instead of letting it just hang there.
The rolling backpack is an excellent choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs.
Always use both straps. Do not sling the back pack over one shoulder. Pack light.
Tighten the straps. Organize the backpack. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. Bend using both knees. Learn and perform back strengthening exercises to build up the muscles used to carry a backpack.
Dear Dr. Levister: My two sons dread carrying backpacks during school. They complain of back pain. What are the rules for selecting and wearing backpacks? G. R.
Dear G.R.: Backpacks are a popular and practical way for children and teenagers to carry school books and supplies.
When used correctly, backpacks can be a good way to carry the necessities of the school day. Be sure your child’s school allows students to stop at their lockers throughout the day. Do not ignore any back pain in a child or teenager. Ask your pediatrician or health care professional for advice.
Backpacks are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the body’s strongest muscles. However, backpacks that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause problems. Improperly used backpacks may injure muscles and joints. This can lead to severe back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as long term posture problems. Share these guidelines to help your kids select backpacks and use them safely.
Doctors recommend that kid’s backpacks should not be more than 15% of their total body weight. When choosing a backpack. Look for wide, padded features with two shoulder straps.
Backpacks with one narrow strap can dig into the shoulders.
This can cause pain and restrict circulation. A padded backpack protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack and increases comfort. A lightweight backpack with a waist strap can distribute the weight of a heavy load more evenly. If you’re going to carry a heavy backpack make sure you use the hip strap, instead of letting it just hang there.
The rolling backpack is an excellent choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs.
Always use both straps. Do not sling the back pack over one shoulder. Pack light.
Tighten the straps. Organize the backpack. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. Bend using both knees. Learn and perform back strengthening exercises to build up the muscles used to carry a backpack.
Chiropractic
It's Backpack Safety Time
EDINA, Minn., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Backpacks can be a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for millions of children and adolescents. As students prepare for school, the Minnesota Chiropractic Association (MCA) and the American Spine Foundation (ASF) want to shed light on backpack safety.
The MCA and ASF are offering parents tips on preventing unnecessary backpack pain and injuries.
* Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps? Non-padded straps are not only uncomfortable, but can also place unnecessary pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles.
* Does your child use both straps? Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture.
* Are the shoulder straps adjustable? The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child's back.
* Size is important. The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child's torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
* Does the backpack have a padded back? A padded back not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack.
* Does the pack have several compartments? A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back, and try to place the heaviest items closet to the body.
The MCA and ASF recommend that parents help children pack their backpacks properly, and make sure children never carry more than 10 percent of their body weight. For example, a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn't carry a backpack heavier than 10 pounds, and a 50-pound child shouldn't carry more than 5 pounds.
Parents should ask their children to report any pain or other problems resulting from carrying a backpack. To find a doctor of chiropractic near you, visit MCA's Web site at www.mnchiro.com.
EDINA, Minn., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Backpacks can be a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for millions of children and adolescents. As students prepare for school, the Minnesota Chiropractic Association (MCA) and the American Spine Foundation (ASF) want to shed light on backpack safety.
The MCA and ASF are offering parents tips on preventing unnecessary backpack pain and injuries.
* Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps? Non-padded straps are not only uncomfortable, but can also place unnecessary pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles.
* Does your child use both straps? Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture.
* Are the shoulder straps adjustable? The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child's body. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child's back.
* Size is important. The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child's torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
* Does the backpack have a padded back? A padded back not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack.
* Does the pack have several compartments? A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back, and try to place the heaviest items closet to the body.
The MCA and ASF recommend that parents help children pack their backpacks properly, and make sure children never carry more than 10 percent of their body weight. For example, a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn't carry a backpack heavier than 10 pounds, and a 50-pound child shouldn't carry more than 5 pounds.
Parents should ask their children to report any pain or other problems resulting from carrying a backpack. To find a doctor of chiropractic near you, visit MCA's Web site at www.mnchiro.com.
Safety
As many stores, are preparing for a busy week of back to school supply sales,
Pediatrician Dr. Bimbrahw is preparing for a busy week as well.
"They`ve been trying to get their problems fixed before school," says Bimbrahw.
Believe it or not once school starts doctors sometimes see an increase of children coming through the doors.
"More than 10,000 children nationally suffer injuries from backpacks," says Bimbrahw.
Children are stuffing to much weight into their backpacks and that can cause some major problems.
"We have back sprains and spinal injuries," says Bimbrahw.
That`s why it`s important parent`s teach kids how to safely pack a backpack.
"Make sure you have no more than 15% of ones body weight in there," says Bimbrahw.
Bimbrahw also says students will carry their backpacks on one shoulder, putting all their weight on to one side which can be very dangerous
"All this relates to injuries on the back," says Bimbrawe.
And as students start to bring more books home in their backpacks, an alternative safer suggestion would be a backpack on wheels.
"They`re a good option. The only thing that might be hard is rolling them up the stairs," says Bimbrawe.
So when you get ready for the first day of school the goal isn`t to see how much stuff you can fit in your backpack, but to make sure you are playing it safe.
Pediatrician Dr. Bimbrahw is preparing for a busy week as well.
"They`ve been trying to get their problems fixed before school," says Bimbrahw.
Believe it or not once school starts doctors sometimes see an increase of children coming through the doors.
"More than 10,000 children nationally suffer injuries from backpacks," says Bimbrahw.
Children are stuffing to much weight into their backpacks and that can cause some major problems.
"We have back sprains and spinal injuries," says Bimbrahw.
That`s why it`s important parent`s teach kids how to safely pack a backpack.
"Make sure you have no more than 15% of ones body weight in there," says Bimbrahw.
Bimbrahw also says students will carry their backpacks on one shoulder, putting all their weight on to one side which can be very dangerous
"All this relates to injuries on the back," says Bimbrawe.
And as students start to bring more books home in their backpacks, an alternative safer suggestion would be a backpack on wheels.
"They`re a good option. The only thing that might be hard is rolling them up the stairs," says Bimbrawe.
So when you get ready for the first day of school the goal isn`t to see how much stuff you can fit in your backpack, but to make sure you are playing it safe.
Tips
With the first day of school just around the corner, some kids can't wait to pack up their backpacks with school supplies. But Riley Children's Hospital says carrying the wrong bag could lead to serious health problems.
First look for backpacks with wide shoulder straps. Make sure the backpack is the right size for your child. When packing, lay the heaviest item in the bag first so it will be closest to your child's back.
Click here for more tips.
First look for backpacks with wide shoulder straps. Make sure the backpack is the right size for your child. When packing, lay the heaviest item in the bag first so it will be closest to your child's back.
Click here for more tips.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Safety
August 12, 2009
Free safety checks of backpacks offered
Town Talk staff
The chiropractic office of Dr. Adam Hebert is offering free backpack safety checks during August to help ensure backpacks don't cause health problems for students.
A safety check can be scheduled at the office, located at 3021 La. Highway 28 East in Pineville, by calling (318) 619-1114.
Hebert noted the American Chiropractic Association offers the following tips for parents to consider concerning their children's backpacks:
--Make sure a child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight.
--A backpack with individualized compartments will help you position the contents most effectively.
--When packing a backpack, make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on the child's back.
--Tell your child to use both shoulder straps, not just one, to prevent disproportionately shifting of all of the weight to one side, which could cause neck and muscle spasms and lower back pain.
--Backpacks should have padded shoulder straps, and the straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to a child's body.
Free safety checks of backpacks offered
Town Talk staff
The chiropractic office of Dr. Adam Hebert is offering free backpack safety checks during August to help ensure backpacks don't cause health problems for students.
A safety check can be scheduled at the office, located at 3021 La. Highway 28 East in Pineville, by calling (318) 619-1114.
Hebert noted the American Chiropractic Association offers the following tips for parents to consider concerning their children's backpacks:
--Make sure a child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight.
--A backpack with individualized compartments will help you position the contents most effectively.
--When packing a backpack, make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on the child's back.
--Tell your child to use both shoulder straps, not just one, to prevent disproportionately shifting of all of the weight to one side, which could cause neck and muscle spasms and lower back pain.
--Backpacks should have padded shoulder straps, and the straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to a child's body.
Safety
SANTA ANA, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- It's almost time to send the kids back to school, and some parents may be breathing a sigh of relief after the long, hot summer. But before you pack the kids up and send them out the door, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding their wellbeing. Universal Protection Service gives you the following tips to help ensure the safety of your little ones, as you send them off to tackle another school year.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081103/LAMFNS01LOGO)
* Walking to and from school: map out the route your child will take and know who lives along it. While you don't have to know every house owner, it is important you research for any possible sexual predators that may live in the area. Also advise your children to stay on the preselected path and avoid any parks, alleys, fields, etc., where there aren't a lot of people around. Find out beforehand if there will be crossing guards at the intersections, and arrange for neighborhood children to walk together. Ensure your child knows their address and phone number.
* Riding a bike or scooter: make sure they know and obey the traffic laws and wear proper safety equipment. Bike helmets, sturdy shoes and a backpack that isn't overloaded will all help make the trip easier and safer for your little one.
* If you plan on driving your child to school, make sure you see them enter the school yard or building before you leave.
* If your child will be taking the bus, instruct them to arrive at the stop early, stay out of the street while waiting and always keep themselves visible to the bus driver.
* Dealing with bullies: teach your child to stand tall, remain calm and walk away from difficult confrontations; if you suspect your child is being bullied, visit the school immediately and explain the situation to the principal.
* Playground safety: check out the equipment your child will be playing on and report any potential hazards. Remove the drawstrings from around the neck of clothing; any drawstrings at the waist or bottom of a garment should be trimmed to no more than three inches long.
* "Latchkey" kids need strict rules in place while they're home alone: set a check-in time for them to call and let you know they made it home, and make sure they understand to keep the doors locked once they're inside. Additionally, you and your children should make plans beforehand for what they need to do in emergency situations, such as fires, accidents, earthquakes, etc.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081103/LAMFNS01LOGO)
* Walking to and from school: map out the route your child will take and know who lives along it. While you don't have to know every house owner, it is important you research for any possible sexual predators that may live in the area. Also advise your children to stay on the preselected path and avoid any parks, alleys, fields, etc., where there aren't a lot of people around. Find out beforehand if there will be crossing guards at the intersections, and arrange for neighborhood children to walk together. Ensure your child knows their address and phone number.
* Riding a bike or scooter: make sure they know and obey the traffic laws and wear proper safety equipment. Bike helmets, sturdy shoes and a backpack that isn't overloaded will all help make the trip easier and safer for your little one.
* If you plan on driving your child to school, make sure you see them enter the school yard or building before you leave.
* If your child will be taking the bus, instruct them to arrive at the stop early, stay out of the street while waiting and always keep themselves visible to the bus driver.
* Dealing with bullies: teach your child to stand tall, remain calm and walk away from difficult confrontations; if you suspect your child is being bullied, visit the school immediately and explain the situation to the principal.
* Playground safety: check out the equipment your child will be playing on and report any potential hazards. Remove the drawstrings from around the neck of clothing; any drawstrings at the waist or bottom of a garment should be trimmed to no more than three inches long.
* "Latchkey" kids need strict rules in place while they're home alone: set a check-in time for them to call and let you know they made it home, and make sure they understand to keep the doors locked once they're inside. Additionally, you and your children should make plans beforehand for what they need to do in emergency situations, such as fires, accidents, earthquakes, etc.
Donation
Backpack program provides for 700
Groups join to give students good start
By MICHAEL GANNON
Norwich Bulletin
Posted Aug 11, 2009 @ 11:29 PM
Norwich, Conn. —
More than 700 children will start the school year with new backpacks and supplies, courtesy of Norwich’s Human Services Department and an army of volunteers.
Nearly 30 people gathered at the Rose City Senior Center Tuesday morning to fill backpacks with pens and pencils, notebooks, rulers, erasers, crayons and markers as part of the Back Pack It To School program.
“We expect to give out more than 700 backpacks,” said Janice Thompson of Norwich Human Services. “We have some donations. We buy things like backpacks in October and November when they go on sale and for the rest keep an eye on back-to-school sales.”
About two dozen social service agencies and schools put in requests this year, sending
individual tags with a child’s age and gender. Thompson said they have had not had to turn anyone down so far.
“We take a tag and find the right backpack,” volunteer Reyni Sexius of Norwich said. “Then we go to one of the tables and fill it with supplies.”
“I was inspired to come down to help people,” said Lisa Wheeler of Norwich.
The requesting organizations picked up the filled backpacks Tuesday afternoon. Sylvia Laudette of Catholic Charities came early to help the 28 volunteers with the packing. She said their assistance is not limited to Catholic schools, or to Norwich.
“We’re receiving about 25 [backpacks],” Laudette said. “We work with Human Services when we have Norwich residents. But we’ll also help people from Lisbon, Jewett City and Montville, which they can’t.”
The backpacks ranged from solid colors to those depicting such characters as Barbie and “Hello Kitty.”
Lisa a of Madonna House also was assisting the volunteers. She said the amount and variety of items will go a long way.
“We work with a lot of people in financial need,” she said. “This is amazing.”
Groups join to give students good start
By MICHAEL GANNON
Norwich Bulletin
Posted Aug 11, 2009 @ 11:29 PM
Norwich, Conn. —
More than 700 children will start the school year with new backpacks and supplies, courtesy of Norwich’s Human Services Department and an army of volunteers.
Nearly 30 people gathered at the Rose City Senior Center Tuesday morning to fill backpacks with pens and pencils, notebooks, rulers, erasers, crayons and markers as part of the Back Pack It To School program.
“We expect to give out more than 700 backpacks,” said Janice Thompson of Norwich Human Services. “We have some donations. We buy things like backpacks in October and November when they go on sale and for the rest keep an eye on back-to-school sales.”
About two dozen social service agencies and schools put in requests this year, sending
individual tags with a child’s age and gender. Thompson said they have had not had to turn anyone down so far.
“We take a tag and find the right backpack,” volunteer Reyni Sexius of Norwich said. “Then we go to one of the tables and fill it with supplies.”
“I was inspired to come down to help people,” said Lisa Wheeler of Norwich.
The requesting organizations picked up the filled backpacks Tuesday afternoon. Sylvia Laudette of Catholic Charities came early to help the 28 volunteers with the packing. She said their assistance is not limited to Catholic schools, or to Norwich.
“We’re receiving about 25 [backpacks],” Laudette said. “We work with Human Services when we have Norwich residents. But we’ll also help people from Lisbon, Jewett City and Montville, which they can’t.”
The backpacks ranged from solid colors to those depicting such characters as Barbie and “Hello Kitty.”
Lisa a of Madonna House also was assisting the volunteers. She said the amount and variety of items will go a long way.
“We work with a lot of people in financial need,” she said. “This is amazing.”
Safety
August 10, 2009
Free safety checks of student backpacks offered by chiropractic office in Pineville
Cenla Chiropractic & Wellness is offering free backpack safety checks during August to help ensure backpacks don’t cause health problems for students.
A safety check can be scheduled at the office, located at 3021 La. Highway 28 East in Pineville, by calling (318) 619-1114.
Dr. Adam Hebert of Cenla Chiropractic & Wellness noted the American Chiropractic Association offers the following tips for parents to consider concerning their children’s backpacks:
-- Make sure a child’s backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight.
-- A backpack with individualized compartments will help you position the contents most effectively.
-- When packing a backpack, make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on the child’s back.
-- Tell your child to use both shoulder straps, not just one, to prevent disproportionately shifting of all of the weight to one side, which could cause neck and muscle spasms and lower back pain.
-- Backpacks should have padded shoulder straps, and the straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to a child’s body.
Free safety checks of student backpacks offered by chiropractic office in Pineville
Cenla Chiropractic & Wellness is offering free backpack safety checks during August to help ensure backpacks don’t cause health problems for students.
A safety check can be scheduled at the office, located at 3021 La. Highway 28 East in Pineville, by calling (318) 619-1114.
Dr. Adam Hebert of Cenla Chiropractic & Wellness noted the American Chiropractic Association offers the following tips for parents to consider concerning their children’s backpacks:
-- Make sure a child’s backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight.
-- A backpack with individualized compartments will help you position the contents most effectively.
-- When packing a backpack, make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on the child’s back.
-- Tell your child to use both shoulder straps, not just one, to prevent disproportionately shifting of all of the weight to one side, which could cause neck and muscle spasms and lower back pain.
-- Backpacks should have padded shoulder straps, and the straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to a child’s body.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Safety
Backpack safety tips
12:12 PM CDT on Monday, August 3, 2009
khou.com staff report
HOUSTON – According to Consumer Reports, not all backpacks will stand up to the heavy load that students carry around.
The information shows that kids will carry anywhere from four to eighteen pounds of books and notebooks every day.
Consumer Reports recommends that parents make sure that the backpack has good stitching and that it can hold the weight the child plans to carry. They recommend that shoulder strap anchors be about 1 to 2 inches below the top of the shoulder.
The bottom of the backpack should go along the curve of the lower back and shouldn't fall more than four inches below the waist.
12:12 PM CDT on Monday, August 3, 2009
khou.com staff report
HOUSTON – According to Consumer Reports, not all backpacks will stand up to the heavy load that students carry around.
The information shows that kids will carry anywhere from four to eighteen pounds of books and notebooks every day.
Consumer Reports recommends that parents make sure that the backpack has good stitching and that it can hold the weight the child plans to carry. They recommend that shoulder strap anchors be about 1 to 2 inches below the top of the shoulder.
The bottom of the backpack should go along the curve of the lower back and shouldn't fall more than four inches below the waist.
Backpain
BACK TO SCHOOL: Backpack selection and safety
Originally printed at http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/business/52376822.html
AUGUSTA, Ga. - More than 40 million students carry backpacks to school and thousands end up in the emergency room from injuries related to them.
Getting ready for back to school would not be complete without the search for a new bookbag, but before you make that purchase, check out what the experts want you to know.
"My kids are walkers and last year, my son would come home and tell me, 'Mommy my back is hurting, my back is hurting," Jessica Beckham said.
Beckham says new bookbags are on this year's back to school list for sure.
"Sometimes it was so heavy, I wouldn't want to wear it," she explained.
Occupational therapist, Dr. Mariana D'Amico says heavy, uncomfortable backpacks are common causes of aches and pains for students.
Preventing those injuries, starts with selecting the right size and type of bag for your child.
She says you should look for bags made with lightweight materials, padded straps and padded back panels.
Experts also say your child should never carry more than 15 percent of his or her weight.
If the bag is too heavy, try adding wheels. Dr. D'Amico says rolling bags can be a good solution for smaller, elementary and middle school kids if they're getting heavy books to carry back and forth.
Experts say the right fit is essential to avoiding pain with your bag as well.
Dr. D'Amico says a properly adjusted backpack should rest in the small of the back, straps should be snugly adjusted and if there is a waist strap, it should be snugly fastened as well.
Wearing shoulderbags are OK, but Dr. D'Amico says it should be worn a certain way to alleviate strain and balance the weight of the bag. She says the strap should go diagonally across the body with the padded shoulder strap in place. She also recommends alternating shoulders to keep muscles from getting tired on one side.
"You wanna alternate so you're not always carrying it on one side if it's too heavy," Dr. D'Amico said.
Keep in mind each school has different policies about rolling backpacks. Check with your school to find out what kind of bags are allowed on campus.
Originally printed at http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/business/52376822.html
AUGUSTA, Ga. - More than 40 million students carry backpacks to school and thousands end up in the emergency room from injuries related to them.
Getting ready for back to school would not be complete without the search for a new bookbag, but before you make that purchase, check out what the experts want you to know.
"My kids are walkers and last year, my son would come home and tell me, 'Mommy my back is hurting, my back is hurting," Jessica Beckham said.
Beckham says new bookbags are on this year's back to school list for sure.
"Sometimes it was so heavy, I wouldn't want to wear it," she explained.
Occupational therapist, Dr. Mariana D'Amico says heavy, uncomfortable backpacks are common causes of aches and pains for students.
Preventing those injuries, starts with selecting the right size and type of bag for your child.
She says you should look for bags made with lightweight materials, padded straps and padded back panels.
Experts also say your child should never carry more than 15 percent of his or her weight.
If the bag is too heavy, try adding wheels. Dr. D'Amico says rolling bags can be a good solution for smaller, elementary and middle school kids if they're getting heavy books to carry back and forth.
Experts say the right fit is essential to avoiding pain with your bag as well.
Dr. D'Amico says a properly adjusted backpack should rest in the small of the back, straps should be snugly adjusted and if there is a waist strap, it should be snugly fastened as well.
Wearing shoulderbags are OK, but Dr. D'Amico says it should be worn a certain way to alleviate strain and balance the weight of the bag. She says the strap should go diagonally across the body with the padded shoulder strap in place. She also recommends alternating shoulders to keep muscles from getting tired on one side.
"You wanna alternate so you're not always carrying it on one side if it's too heavy," Dr. D'Amico said.
Keep in mind each school has different policies about rolling backpacks. Check with your school to find out what kind of bags are allowed on campus.
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