Don't Weigh Kids Down
Overloaded backpacks are a real pain in the neck, and in the shoulders and the back, too.
Kids now have another reason to hate homework; recent research shows that excessive backpack load poses a serious risk for back, shoulder, and neck injury. Pay attention to what kids carry and get rid of unnecessary stuff. Plus, make sure they wear packs properly and talk to teachers about ways of lessening the load.
5,000 children visit the emergency room for backpack related injuries every year. Pressure from shoulder straps blocks blood flow and can cause neck and shoulder pain. Uneven or excessive loads (more than 15% of a child's body weight) can cause lower back injuries, and the constant schlepping of an overloaded backpack could lead to permanent problems with posture by the time your child finishes high school.
Start by choosing the right pack. Padded back and shoulder straps, hip and chest belts, and multiple compartments all help ease the burden on small bodies. For younger children, a rolling backpack with a sufficiently long handle and large, sturdy wheels will do the trick. As kids get older and change classes during the day, a traditional two-strap backpack works best, but make sure the straps are wide and padded, and the load is evenly distributed throughout. Encourage your kids to use their lockers to store heavy books or sports gear. Use the studies below as a reminder to teachers to keep backpack weight in mind when assigning tasks.
Try these strategies to help your kid get off to a strong school year start.
