It’s back to school time and students are loading up their backpacks with all their school supplies. . Here are some simple tips for picking, packing and wearing a backpack to avoid pain and strain.
Pick the right bag
• Choose a bag made of lightweight material.
• Pick a bag that has two wide, adjustable and padded shoulder straps, along with a hip or waist
Strap.
• Ensure the bag is no larger than needed. The top of the pack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder, and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hip bone.
Pack it light
• The total weight of the pack should not exceed 10 to 15 per cent (unlike image above) of the wearer’s body weight.
• Pack the heaviest items close to the body.
Wear it properly
• Both shoulder straps should always be used and adjusted so the pack fits snugly against the body.
• The pack should sit two inches above the waist.
• Never allow your child to sling a backpack over only one shoulder.
• Using the waist strap reduces the strain on the back and transfers some of the load to the hips.
If you do have some questions or want you child’s backpack checked feel free to ask Dr. Janzen.
