Heavy bags can cause back pain

THERE is an old saying that education is no weight to carry.

While perhaps this is true, heavy schools books can be a significant weight to carry for children.

In a survey from the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP), it was found that many pupils and parents do not consider proper lifting methods when lifting school bags.

Another startling finding of the survey was that a certain percentage of school children carry a bag which equals a quarter of their own weight.

Wearing a heavy school bag can have long lasting effects which cause bad posture in later life.

Advice given to pupils and parents alike from the ISCP includes: buying a lightweight bag with adjustable and padded straps, put the heaviest items toward the back of the bag, which causes less strain on the spine, wear a bag with two straps and only carry a bag when you have to- while waiting on the bus or other periods where you are standing around, leave the bag on the floor.

The ISCP also encourage more engagement with schools in relation to timetabling, whereby students may be able to leave books at home on certain days. Also, if there is a locker system where pupils can store books throughout the school week, it is advised that they avail of this service.

RIGHT: It is not uncommon for children to carry a schoolbag which equals a quarter of their own weigth.