22,399,608 members doing good!



Select names from your address book   |   Help
   

We hate spam. We do not sell or share the email addresses you provide.

Backpack Safety Tips for Back-to-School Shopping

How to Choose a Backpack

  • Make sure the backpack itself is lightweight.
  • Look for two wide, padded shoulder straps. A waist belt may be more stable.
  • Multiple compartments will allow the weight of the contents to be distributed more evenly.
  • Ergonomically designed backpacks are best.

How to Pack a Backpack

  • The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends limiting the backpack’s weight to no more than 10 percent of the child’s body weight.
  • Try to distribute weight evenly, using all compartments.
  • Pack only essential supplies… leave non-essential items at home or at school.

How to Wear a Backpack

  • Use both shoulder straps.
  • Tighten the straps so the pack fits close to the body.
  • The backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline, says the ACA.

Additional Resources

Writer Ann Pietrangelo embraces the concept of personal responsibility for health and wellness. As a person living with multiple sclerosis, she combines a healthy lifestyle and education with modern medicine, and seeks to provide information and support to others. She is a regular contributor to Care2 Causes. Follow on Twitter @AnnPietrangelo

Read more: Children, Family, General Health, Health, Healthy Schools, News & Issues, , , , ,

quick poll

vote now!

Loading poll...

have you shared this story yet?

go ahead, give it a little love

share story:

BONUS butterfly credits

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

45 comments

+ add your own
12:35PM PDT on Aug 22, 2010

thanks...

12:35PM PDT on Aug 22, 2010

thanks...

3:45AM PDT on Aug 20, 2010

TY. Too many books, too many things to forget to pack!

2:22AM PDT on Aug 19, 2010

great article..

12:22AM PDT on Aug 19, 2010

kids only need a backpack for lunch!I wasted a good proportion of my carrying books

6:45PM PDT on Aug 18, 2010

Even though my posture is pretty good, I sure wish I knew more about this when I went to school!

3:11PM PDT on Aug 18, 2010

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.

5:11AM PDT on Aug 18, 2010

Thank for the info.

4:50AM PDT on Aug 18, 2010

Students are definitely expected to carry way too much in their school backpacks now.

1:24AM PDT on Aug 18, 2010

thanks

add your comment



Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

customize your newsletter

This newsletter will be sent daily and will feature updates on all the causes you care about. Which causes would you like to include?

Copyright © 2013 Care2.com, inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved