If your kids are complaining that their backs hurt this weekend, it may be more than just a ploy to get out of chores.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), an alarmingly number of children is carrying way too much in their school backpacks. What’s more, the overload is resulting in serious injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 13,700 kids aged 5 to 18 sought medical treatment for backpack-related injuries last year alone.
While backpacks are essential in helping students carry books and other supplies, doctors say parents need to teach their children not to overload the bags. In addition, kids can avoid pain caused by wearing heavy backpacks by following these simple tips suggested by experts at the AAOS:
Forget about looking cool by wearing your backpack by a single strap; instead, use both shoulder straps to evenly distribute the weight of the bag.
*Use the backpack’s chest and waist strap if available.
*Place the largest books or school supplies in the bag closest to the back, and then remove any other items that make the backpack painful to carry.
*Bend your knees and use your legs when picking up a backpack.
*Only carry essential items in the backpack. Leave extra books at home, in your locker or in your desk whenever possible.
*Parents need to encourage children to speak up about any pain or discomfort they feel while wearing their backpack, particularly numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
*Parents should look for any posture changes in their child or red marks on their son or daughter’s shoulders from wearing their backpack.
If your child’s load cannot be lightened, consider purchasing him a rolling backpack as an alternative to carrying a heavy load on his shoulders and risking injury.
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