A heavy backpack worn too often can create serious health risks in children and teenagers. Joint and muscle strains, posture issues, and pain in the neck, back and shoulders are all caused by carrying excess weight--especially if it is distributed unequally or if the backpack is worn incorrectly. Though heavy backpacks are extremely common, they can easily be made lighter by modifying a variety of variables. Here are some tips to help your child lighten the burden on his back.
Instructions
1. Place your child's backpack on a scale after an average day at school. If the backpack and all of its contents weighs more than 15 percent of the child's body weight, it is too heavy and puts her at risk of injury. Ideally, the safest weight percentage is less than 10%. percent
2. Go through the items in your child's backpack and make sure that he only carries what is necessary. Encourage the child to keep as many items as possible in a desk or locker, and bring home only what is needed to do homework. If possible, buy duplicates of heavy items like calculators and textbooks to keep at your house so he doesn't have to carry them back and forth.
3. Invest in a quality backpack for your child. Make sure that it has two padded, wide straps that distribute weight evenly--a waist strap helps do the same. A padded back provides a soft cushion to keep objects inside the pack from being felt by the wearer. A backpack with adequate space and zippered compartments allows for proper placement of heavy books. If practical for the logistics of the child's school, a backpack on wheels could act as a healthier alternative to the traditional kind. However, a rolling backpack may be very difficult to carry up stairs or onto a school bus. Your child's specific situation will determine the best option.
4. Ensure that your child knows properly wear and lift her backpack. This means that she should always have both straps on. Wearing only one strap can put too much weight on the shoulder and cause injury. Teach her to pack the heaviest books closest to the center of her back--this reduces strain. Have your child put her backpack on. Adjust the straps for her so that the bottom of the backpack sits about 2 inches above her waist. Also, tighten the straps so the backpack hangs snugly against the body. Remind your child to bend at the knees when lifting a heavy backpack off of the floor, rather than at the waist.
5. Speak to teachers and work with them to create a pro-health plan. Suggest that they limit the number of textbooks that need to be carried home every night, and encourage them to put assignments online or use the CD-ROMs that often come with textbooks. Get involved in a PTA or other parent organization and advocate for backpack safety by making teachers are educated about the health hazards of repeatedly carrying a heavy load. If students at your child's school use lockers, find out if they have enough opportunities and time during the day to switch their books. Spreading information about backpack-related injuries is the best way to raise awareness and effectively implement changes.
Tags: your child, child backpack, sure that, , backpack worn, child school, heavy backpack