Do you have their back(pack)?

 
Health and Safety News from All Children's Hospital  

From pre-K through senior year, it's important that students use and choose backpacks wisely. Here are some tips on proper backpack usage from All Children's Hospital and Children's Orthopaedic and Scoliosis Surgery Associates:

• Use both shoulder straps. Wearing a backpack on just one shoulder may strain muscles or increase curvature of the spine, says scoliosis expert Dr. Jeffrey Neustadt.
• Bend using both knees. Bending over at the waist when wearing or lifting a relatively heavy backpack can strain back muscles.
• Keep it relatively light. Backpacks shouldn't weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of total body weight. Parents or students can talk to teachers about ways to lighten the load.
• Keep the straps pretty tight. The bottom of the pack should fall 2 inches above the waist, and the pack should be relatively close to the body.

Here are some tips to help in selecting the right backpack:

Wearing a backpack correctly keeps your back healthy!

1. The backpack should have wide, padded shoulder straps. Narrow straps can dig into shoulders, causing pain and restricting circulation. Also, narrow straps are less sturdy and are more likely to rip after just a few weeks or months of use. Remind your student to use both shoulder straps when wearing the backpack!
2. The "back" of the pack (the part that rests on your student's back) should be well padded. This will add comfort and provide protection from any sharp edges or objects inside the pack.
3. A sturdy waist strap. Ideally, the backpack should have a waist strap that fastens in the front. This helps even out the weight of the pack.
4. The backpack should weigh as little as possible yet be sturdy. Books are heavy enough-the backpack shouldn't add much weight. Tough nylon fabrics add strength without extra weight.

Also, before buying a backpack with wheels, think about whether they will be useful for your child's school day. Students who ride the bus or climb stairs at school may be better off with a traditional backpack.

You can go to BodyToonups.com to see fun videos about choosing and using backpacks, nutrition and fitness and other safety topics, brought to you by All Children's Hospital and Kohl's Cares for Kids.