BACKPACK STRATEGIES for Parents and Students Aching backs and shoulders? Tingling arms? Weakened muscles? Stooped posture? Does your child or grandchild have these symptoms after wearing a heavy school backpack? Carrying too much weight in a pack or wearing it the wrong way can lead to pain and strain. Take these steps to help children load and wear backpacks the correct way to avoid health problems: Loading the Backpack: • A child’s backpack should weigh no more than about 10% of his or her body weight. A student weighing 100 pounds shouldn’t wear a loaded backpack heavier than about 10 pounds. • Load heaviest items closest to the child’s back.
cause a child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing pain or discomfort. • Select a pack with well-padded shoulder straps. Shoulders and necks have many blood vessels and nerves that can cause pain and tingling in the neck, arms, and hands when too much pressure is applied. • Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack fits snugly on the child’s back. A pack that hangs loosely from the back can pull the child backwards and strain muscles. • Wear the waist belt if the backpack has one. This helps distribute the pack’s weight more evenly. • The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back. It should never rest more than four inches below the child’s waistline. • School backpacks come in different sizes for different ages. Choose the right size pack for your child as well as one with enough room for necessary school items. • Only put items in your backpack that you need for the day.
• Arrange books and materials so they won’t slide around in the backpack. • Check what your child carries to school and brings home. Make sure the items are necessary for the day’s activities. • If the backpack is too heavy or tightly packed, your child can hand carry a book or other item outside the pack. • If the backpack is too heavy on a regular basis, consider using a book bag on wheels if your child’s school allows it. Wearing the Backpack: • Distribute weight evenly by using both straps. Wearing a pack slung over one shoulder can
DEEP TISSUE LASER THERAPY SAFE • EFFECTIVE • DRUG - FREE • PAIN RELIEF
Patient Success Story
RELIEF FOR:
• Back Pain • Neck Pain • Shoulder Pain
• Foot Pain • Knee Pain • Post-surgery
“Through balance therapy, I have become more able to be active.” “Stewart and his staff have all been superb! Before I started coming for therapy, I was very unstable in walking. Through balance therapy, I have become more able to be active. He also has helped ease the pain I live with through stretching exercises and other treatments! The staff and facility are the best! They truly care for their patients!” – Jerri Mason
TREATMENTS FEEL GOOD Laser therapy creates little to no sensation or it can create a gentle, warm sensation. TREATMENTS ARE FAST With LightForce lasers, treatments are quick— usually 5-12 minutes depending on the size, depth, and acuteness of the condition being treated.
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