BACKPACKS
Pack it light. Wear it right.
Kids think it’s “cool” to strap
on their backpacks and head out to school.
But if they don’t know exactly how to choose, load, lift and wear them –
these all-important accessories can be a pain in the back. Literally.
Not to mention the neck, head, and shoulders.
Backpacks Can Affect Your Children’s
Health
Carrying a heavy load that is unevenly or improperly
distributed can result in poor posture; and even distort the spinal column,
throwing it out of alignment. This can cause muscle strain, headaches, back,
neck and arm pain, and even nerve damage.
For example, a heavy backpack, carried on one shoulder,
forces the muscles and spine to compensate for the uneven weight. This places stress on the mid and lower
back, and may increase the likelihood of back problems later in life.
More than 50 percent of young people experience at least one
episode of lower back pain by their teenage years. Research indicates that this
could be caused, to a great extent, by improper use of backpacks.
Prevention Is Key
Here are a few pointers to help
you help your school age children carry their load comfortably and safely.
Choose the
right backpack:
Forget leather! It looks great, but far too heavy. Go for vinyl or canvas. Pick a pack that has two wide, adjustable, padded shoulder straps, along with a hip or waist strap, padded back and plenty of pockets. Make sure the pack fits properly, is not too snug around the arms and under the armpits, and that its size is proportionate to the wearer’s body.
Packing it
properly:
They’re not moving out!
Make sure your children’s packs contain only what’s need for that day,
and that the weight is distributed evenly. It’s a good idea to know roughly
what each item weights. The
total weight of the filled pack should be no more than 10 to 15 percent of the
wearer’s own body weight.
Pack heaviest objects close to the body, and place bumpy or odd-shaped
ones on the outside, away from the back.
Putting the
backpack on:
It’s good idea to help young children with this, at least the
first few times. Put the pack on a flat
surface, at waist height (usually a chair or table). Slip on the pack, one shoulder at a time, then adjust the straps
to fit comfortably. Remember when
lifting a backpack, or anything, to bend at the knees.
The right
way to wear a backpack:
Both shoulder straps should be used, and adjusted so that the
pack fits snugly to the body, without dangling to the side. Backpacks should never be worn over just one
shoulder. You should be able to slide
your hand between the backpack and your child’s back. The waist strap should also be worn for added stability.
If your child does complain of back pain, numbness or
weakness in his or her arms and legs, call our office and Dr. Chan will
determine how to prevent future problems.
Please forward this email to all your friends and family, so
that they can be better informed about backpack safety.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate
to call the office and Dr. Chan would be more than happy to see if your child’s
backpack is right for them.
Vitality Chiropractic Health Centre
Tel: 416-332-3769