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.
Showing posts with label Children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children. Show all posts
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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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