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.
Showing posts with label Safety Tips; Backpack safety tips; Child; Kids; Bike Safety; Playground Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Safety Tips; Backpack safety tips; Child; Kids; Bike Safety; Playground Safety. Show all posts
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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.
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