Kids BackPacks - 5 Tips To Avoid BackPack Injuries

<h1>Kids BackPacks - 5 Tips To Avoid BackPack Injuries</h1>Author: <a title="Barb Dearing" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/barb-dearing/138420.htm">Barb Dearing</a> In the old days, children would head off to school with a piece of notebook paper in one hand and a pencil perched behind one ear. But in this modern age of technology, even elementary-age children are burdened with books, pencil cases, calculators, the obligatory cell phone, a personal PDA for scheduling and perhaps even a notebook computer. Most of these items are hastily thrown into a backpack, and slung over one shoulder as they head out the door. While experts have recommended that a kid's backpack should weigh less than 15 percent their  body weight, many kids routinely lug around more than twice that percentage. Over time, this backpack burden can create health problems such as stooped posture, chronic back and shoulder pain, stiff necks and muscle weakness. Lisa A. Haney, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Pennsylvania Hospital, has said that "More than 40 million U.S. students carry backpacks, and most of them are unaware that overloading them or carrying them incorrectly can set them up for a lifetime of problems." According to Ms. Haney, "It's up to parents, teachers and schools to help spread the word about backpack safety and help our kids lighten their loads." To minimize the harmful effects of carrying a backpack, it is important to follow these five tips: 1. Make sure you and your child pick a backpack that is appropriate for your child's age and size. You should physically weigh the backpack to make sure it is less than 15 percent of your child's body weight. 2. Adjust the backpack so it rests in the curve of the lower back. The pack should never rest more than four inches below your child's waistline. The shoulder straps should be well-padded and as wide as possible to help distribute the weight of the backpack.  3. Check your child's backpack and make sure they have only packed items that are necessary for the day's activities. The heaviest items should be loaded in the back of the pack (closest to your child's back), and items should be arranged so they don't shift and move in the pack. It is better for the child to hand-carry a few items than to over-load the backpack. 4. Instruct your child to wear both shoulder straps. Slinging the pack over one shoulder can cause a great deal of muscle strain. It causes the child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing discomfort throughout the back, neck and shoulders. Be sure to adjust the straps so the pack fits snugly against the child's back and make certain to fasten the waist belt, if the pack has one, to distribute the weight more evenly. 5. If your child can't, or won't, wear the backpack properly, you may need to consider a <a href="http://kids-rolling-backpack.com">rolling backpack</a>. Just make sure the handle is long enough so your child doesn't have to twist or bend to pull the backpack. By following these five tips, your child's backpack can do its job, without doing in your child!About the Author: Barb Dearing is an online writer specializing in family topics. For back-to-school backpack shopping, she recommends the following site: <a href="http://kids-rolling-backpacks.com">Kids Rolling BackPacks</a> Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/kids-backpacks-5-tips-to-avoid-backpack-injuries-1026164.html" title="Kids BackPacks - 5 Tips To Avoid BackPack Injuries">Kids BackPacks - 5 Tips To Avoid BackPack Injuries</a>

In the old days, children would head off to school with a piece of notebook paper in one hand and a pencil perched behind one ear. But in this modern age of technology, even elementary-age children are burdened with books, pencil cases, calculators, the obligatory cell phone, a personal PDA for scheduling and perhaps even a notebook computer. Most of these items are hastily thrown into a backpack, and slung over one shoulder as they head out the door.

While experts have recommended that a kid's backpack should weigh less than 15 percent their body weight, many kids routinely lug around more than twice that percentage. Over time, this backpack burden can create health problems such as stooped posture, chronic back and shoulder pain, stiff necks and muscle weakness.

Lisa A. Haney, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Pennsylvania Hospital, has said that "More than 40 million U.S. students carry backpacks, and most of them are unaware that overloading them or carrying them incorrectly can set them up for a lifetime of problems." According to Ms. Haney, "It's up to parents, teachers and schools to help spread the word about backpack safety and help our kids lighten their loads."

To minimize the harmful effects of carrying a backpack, it is important to follow these five tips:

1. Make sure you and your child pick a backpack that is appropriate for your child's age and size. You should physically weigh the backpack to make sure it is less than 15 percent of your child's body weight.

2. Adjust the backpack so it rests in the curve of the lower back. The pack should never rest more than four inches below your child's waistline. The shoulder straps should be well-padded and as wide as possible to help distribute the weight of the backpack.

3. Check your child's backpack and make sure they have only packed items that are necessary for the day's activities. The heaviest items should be loaded in the back of the pack (closest to your child's back), and items should be arranged so they don't shift and move in the pack. It is better for the child to hand-carry a few items than to over-load the backpack.

4. Instruct your child to wear both shoulder straps. Slinging the pack over one shoulder can cause a great deal of muscle strain. It causes the child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing discomfort throughout the back, neck and shoulders. Be sure to adjust the straps so the pack fits snugly against the child's back and make certain to fasten the waist belt, if the pack has one, to distribute the weight more evenly.

5. If your child can't, or won't, wear the backpack properly, you may need to consider a rolling backpack. Just make sure the handle is long enough so your child doesn't have to twist or bend to pull the backpack.

By following these five tips, your child's backpack can do its job, without doing in your child!

Barb Dearing is an online writer specializing in family topics. For back-to-school backpack shopping, she recommends the following site: Kids Rolling BackPacks

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/kids-backpacks-5-tips-to-avoid-backpack-injuries-1026164.html

Article Tags: kids rolling backpacks, kids backpacks, kids luggage, backpacks for kids

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

How to Put on a Backpack

Play

The Contrast Between Long or Short Backpacking Trips

Play

The Elements of a Good Backpack Plan

Play

The Importance of Planning Your Backpacking Trip

Play

Car Seat Travel Bag Review - DadLabs ep. 425

Latest Parenting Articles
More from Barb Dearing

Baby Sign Language

By: Andrea Beilinson | 03/12/2009
A Great Way to Communicate with Your Baby! Do you ever wish you could just figure out what your baby is thinking? Some days it might seem that she wants everything...or nothing. And no matter, what, you just can't seem to figure out what will make her happy. Teaching your baby sign language is one great way to communicate with your baby - even before she can talk!

Attachment Theory

By: Andrea Beilinson | 03/12/2009
Theories of Parent/Child Attachment A child bonds with her parents and caregivers during the first year of life. This critical first year will shape her personality and overall development.

Childhood Obesity

By: Andrea Beilinson | 03/12/2009
One Family's Story of Change Not so long ago, a typical Saturday at the Taylor household consisted of video games, fast food dinner and banana splits for dessert. Evenings were spent cuddled up in front of a family DVD, munching on popcorn and guzzling soda.

Wooden Outdoor Playsets

By: Andrea Beilinson | 03/12/2009
Summertime means lots of outdoor play, visits to the park, playground, and pool, and playing at home. Neighborhood parks are terrific for visits, but since summer also means relaxation, wouldn't it be wonderful to have your own backyard playground so that you wouldn't have to drive or walk to a place where your children can get some exercise? Outdoor wooden playsets are perfect for installing in your own backyard so you can have the fun of a playground without the hassle of going anywhere.

Wooden Educational Toys

By: Andrea Beilinson | 03/12/2009
Babies, toddlers, and older children learn through play, so you probably want to know what the best toys are for fostering development and educating your child while he's having fun to boot. There are so many different products available, and they are not all created equal. Wooden educational toys are durable, safe, and some are made from sustainable resources, designed to promote ecological responsibility while providing fun and learning for your child.

Wooden Play Sets

By: Andrea Beilinson | 03/12/2009
All children learn through play, and all children naturally choose favorites among their toys - the sets that just seem to grab and keep their attention and entertain them for hours at a time. As a parent, you want to find the best toys are for fostering development and educating your child while he's "just" having fun. Look to wooden play sets to provide durable, safe, fun toys that will engage your child's imagination and keep him entertained.

Wooden Pull Toys

By: Andrea Beilinson | 03/12/2009
Parents are bombarded with toy selections today. Websites, major retailers, and boutiques all offer what they tout are the best and newest toys designed to get children off to a smart start in learning. It is easy to overlook, then, some of the most basic toys parents may remember from their own childhoods. Simple, wooden pull toys are a terrific choice for babies and toddlers. They stimulate physical development and are just plain fun.

How To Control And Discipline Children - Discipline Tips For A Single Father

By: James Tame | 03/12/2009
If you are a single father and you are searching for tips and ways how to control children and discipline your strong willed child correctly then you will find lots of useful tips here. It's not easy being a single father having to go to work, trying to control and discipline a child and having to deal with other problems all at the same time. Likely I will give you some very useful tips how to control children and great ways to positive child discipline methods that will help you and your child

Don't Ruin A New Kitchen With The Wrong Canister Set!

By: Barb Dearing | 06/11/2009 | Home Improvement
Choosing the right set of canisters is critical to accessorizing a new kitchen. Let's take a look at some tips for decorating with canisters.

How Did the Fruitcake Become so Popular For Holidays?

By: Barb Dearing | 30/10/2009 | Holidays
The fruitcake is a holiday symbol for many different cultures. Here is a short history of its origins.

Chocolate - Who Knew It Was A Vegetable?

By: Barb Dearing | 25/08/2009 | Health
Most people enjoy their daily chocolate fix with guilty pleasure. But here are a few facts that will have you enjoying chocolate just for the health of it!

Five Ideas For Entertaining Your Toddler

By: Barb Dearing | 20/08/2009 | Parenting
Now that your older kids are back in school, who is home to entertain your toddler? Here are a few tips for surviving (and thriving) between 7am and 3pm.

Sexy Halloween Costumes - Dress Up Your Alter Ego

By: Barb Dearing | 20/08/2009 | Holidays
Halloween is the only time of year that Moms can play dress-up without offending the neighbors or upsetting the patrons at the local grocery store. Here are some ideas for going all out this year with a sexy Halloween costume.

4 Reasons To Consider a Folding Bike

By: Barb Dearing | 19/08/2009 | Sports & Fitness
Whether you ride your bike for pleasure, fitness or as a primary means of transportation, you'll find a foldable bike has many advantages over its stodgy mainstream counterpart.

5 Tips For the Best New Hairstyle

By: Barb Dearing | 18/08/2009 | Fashion
Does your hairstyle date back to the days of the "the Rachel", or worse, "the Dorothy Hamill wedge"? If so, it is definitely time to update your look. But choosing a hairstyle can be harder than matching toenail polish to your favorite flip-flops. If you aren't sure where to begin, review these 5 tips before you say "oh just go ahead and cut it".

The Best GPS Running Watch -- Who Wins The Race?

By: Barb Dearing | 18/08/2009 | Sports & Fitness
By using a watch with a built-in GPS system, you can measure speed and distance as you workout. It's like having a personal trainer available 24/7!