Backpack Safety Backpack Strategies for Parents and Students Aching backs and shoulders? Tingling arms? Weakened muscles? Stooped posture? Does your child 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. Parents can take steps tohelpchildren loadandwearbackpacks 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. This means a student weighing 100 pounds shouldn’t wear a loaded school backpack heavier than about 10 pounds. • Load heaviest items closest to the child’s back (the back of the pack). • 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 thebackpack is tooheavyona regularbasis, 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 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 painand tingling in theneck,arms,andhands 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 thebackcanpull thechild backwards and strain muscles. • 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.
Call Today, Learn More About How To Avoid Injury And Pain.
www.outpatientpt.com
Puyallup 2930 S Meridian Suite 120 Puyallup, Washington 98373 Phone: (253) 445-2733 Fax: (253) 445-2399
Kent East Hill 13106 SE 240th Street, Suite 103
Covington Satellite 27005 168th Pl SE, Suite 200 Covington, Washington 98042 Phone: (253) 639-4788 Fax: (253) 639-4789
Auburn 701 M St NE, Suite 102 Auburn, Washington 98002 Phone: (253) 833-8766 Fax: (253) 833-6748
Kent, Washington 98031 Phone: (253) 631-1933 Fax: (253) 631-2094
Who Do You Know That Needs Our Help? • Move without pain • Bend and move freely • Balance confidently & securely • Sit for long periods comfortably • Walk for long distances • Live an active and healthy lifestyle Do You Have Friends Or Family Unable To Do The Following:
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker