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Loading...Backpack Safety Tips for Back-to-School Shopping
- Ann Pietrangelo
- August 16, 2010
- 1:03 pm
- 45 comments
At the top of almost every back-to-school supply list is the backpack. It is a convenient and practical way to carry books, pens, pencils, and other required school supplies while keeping hands free. With all the colors and designs available, some even consider the backpack to be a fun fashion accessory.
As helpful and fun as they are, backpacks can also cause pain and injury if not used properly. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) estimates that about 55 percent of students are carrying backpacks heavier than the recommended guideline, leading to increased backpack-related incidents in recent years.
An Italian study found that the average child carries a backpack that is the equivalent of a 39-pound pack for a 176-pound man, or a 29-pound load for a 132-pound woman. Sixty percent of those children reported back pain.
Health Issues Caused by Backpacks
- Backpacks that are worn improperly or are too heavy for children and teens can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as problems with muscles and joints.
- Too much weight can force a child to lean backward and attempt to compensate by bending forward at the hips. Backpacks slung over one shoulder can cause leaning to one side. Correct posture becomes difficult.
- Backpacks with narrow straps that dig into the shoulders can interfere with circulation and nerves, potentially contributing tingling, numbness, and weakness of the arms and hands. Red marks on the skin are a clue that the child is carrying too much weight.
- Carrying overloaded backpacks changes the way children walk, causing tripping and increasing the risk of falls.
Next: How to Choose It, Pack It, Wear It
Read more: Children, Family, General Health, Health, Healthy Schools, News & Issues, back pain, back-to-school shopping, backpack, Children, shoulder pain
Ann Pietrangelo
Ann Pietrangelo is the author of No More Secs! Living, Laughing & Loving Despite Multiple Sclerosis. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and a regular contributor to Care2 Healthy & Green Living and Care2 Causes. Follow on Twitter @AnnPietrangelo
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
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Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
people are talking
Interesting,Thank You
Two real cuties!! And a very patient cat who obviously loves this baby!
That's a very patient kitty. TY!
WOW I thought I was having a flashback from the 60, no the 70, no the opps LOL
Great post and website, thank you!
45 comments
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TY. Too many books, too many things to forget to pack!
great article..
kids only need a backpack for lunch!I wasted a good proportion of my carrying books
Even though my posture is pretty good, I sure wish I knew more about this when I went to school!
No, as the school my children attended gave parents the option to buy, agreed more expensive, chiropractic backpack bag which was an huge blessing. I heard many students complaining but not mine. The only complaint they had was it was not 'cool'.I said tough deal with it.
Thank for the info.
Students are definitely expected to carry way too much in their school backpacks now.
thanks
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