With all the end- of- year ‘ extras’ it’s important to balance backpack
The last couple of months of school tend to be packed with exams, special events and catch- up assignments. This usually mean supplies, textbooks and sporting equipment are put to greater use as students prepare for their remaining classes.
All of those extra items have to get to and from school somehow and that usually means they are carted around in a backpack.
It is important to consider the implications of too much weight on the spine, especially when the body is in that critical growth and development stage.
Chiropractors continue to see more and more young patients coming through their doors as a result of pain or injury from excess weight on a young back.
Here are a few tips to help the students in your life:
• Function, not fashion, is the important factor in your choice of backpack. Backpacks with two wide padded shoulder straps are essential. Bags with lots of pockets are also helpful to distribute weight. Trendy bags may look cool for a few months, but a spine injury that affects your development can last a lifetime.
• Pack only what you need for a given day. The weight of your backpack should not exceed 10 to 15 per cent of your body weight. For example, for a 70- pound child, no more than seven pounds of weight is recommended.
• If you have heavier items to carry, place them in the part of your backpack that rests closest to your body when it is worn. This helps steady the load and improves balance.
• Wear your backpack properly. There are two straps for a reason and your spine will thank you for using both at all times. It may be cool or even more convenient to grab your bag and sling one strap over your shoulder, but this is dangerous and should be avoided.