A note
from Dian Ward RN, School Nurse
During the first month
of school I have received many requests
from parents and physicians for student
to have a second set of textbooks
because their backpacks were causing
back pain. There are limited quantities
of extra textbooks so I thought I
would share with you some guidelines
from the American Academy of Pediatrics
regarding backpack safety:
Choose the right backpack:
-
Wide padded shoulder
straps---Narrow straps can dig
shoulders. This can cause pain
and restrict circulation.
-
Two shoulder straps---Backpacks
with one strap shoulder strap
that runs across the body cannot
distribute weight evenly.
-
Padded back----A
padded back protects against sharp
edges on objects inside the pack
and increases comfort.
-
Waist strap---A
waist strap can distribute the
weight of a heavy load more evenly.
-
Lightweight backpack---The
backpack itself should not add
much weight to the load
-
Rolling backpack---This
type of backpack may be a good
choice for students who must tote
a heavy load. Remember that rolling
backpacks still must be carried
up stairs.
To prevent injury when
using a backpack, do the following:
- Always use both should straps---
Slinging a backpack over one shoulder
can strain muscles. Wearing a
backpack on one shoulder may increase
curvature of the spine.
- Tighten the straps---so that
the pack is close to the body.
The straps should hold the pack
two inches above the waist.
- Pack light---The backpack should
never weigh more than 20% of the
student's total body weight.
- Organize the backpack---to use
all of its compartments. Pack
heavier items closest to the center
of the back.
- Learn back strengthening---to
build up the muscles used to carry
a backpack. Ask your pediatrician
for advise.
Parents also can help in the following
ways:
