Your kids are heading back to school; make sure they're spine is protected when they do.
Aching back and shoulders. Weakened muscles. Tingling arms. Stooped posture. Does your child have these symptoms after wearing a heavy school backpack? Here are some steps to take to help children load and wear their backpacks the right way and avoid health problems:
- Never let a child carry more than 15% of his or her body weight.
- Load heaviest items closest to the child's back.
- Both shoulder straps should always be worn.
- Adjust the shoulder straps so the pack fits snugly to the child's back.
- Wear the waist belt if the backpack has one.
- The bottom of the pack should never rest more than 4 inches below the child's waistline; it should rest in the curve of the lower back.
