Summer is winding down and the kids are heading back to school in Maryland this month. When buying - and later - using a backpack, keep these points from the American Chiropractic Association in mind:
- Make sure that the backpack weighs no more than 5-10% of your child's
body weight.
- Purchase a backpack with adjustable straps so it can be properly
fitted to your child’s body. The backpack should never hang more
than 4” below the waistline.
- Purchase backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps. Urge your
child to use both shoulder straps, or at least alternate shoulders throughout the day.
- Purchase backpacks with individualized compartments - this helps
position the content more effectively.
- If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher or
principal. Ask if your child could leave their heaviest books at
school.
Best wishes to your kids for a successful school year from Dr. Michael A. Dorn, Jr., DC and the staff at
Baltimore Back and Pain Center!
