| It's Fall and students everywhere are preparing to | | | | Correct Backpack Weight is Specific for Each Child |
| head back to school. Backpacks for school will be first | | | | In the past, the American Chiropractic Association, the |
| on the school supply list for many kids. The choices of | | | | American Physical Therapy Association, and the |
| backpacks for school may seem overwhelming at | | | | American Academy of Pediatrics have all come |
| times. Due to the astounding number of available | | | | forward with backpack recommendations for students, |
| backpacks and options on the market, it just makes | | | | teachers, and parents. All experts agree that |
| sense to take a few moments and find out what | | | | backpacks worn improperly or that are simply too |
| backpacks are the best for your kids. | | | | heavy may cause damage now and in the future. |
| A properly fitted, well-designed, and durable backpack | | | | Some cheap backpacks may cause permanent |
| is going to be the best available choice for avoiding | | | | physical damage to kids that will develop into much |
| any discomfort, pain, or even possible long-term injury | | | | more serious problems in their adult years. |
| to your child. The experts at the American Physical | | | | The medical professionals who see these type of |
| Therapy Association have been studying backpack | | | | backpack-related injuries on a regular basis have |
| for years. Through their research, the APTA has | | | | come up with some very simple guidelines. Typically, a |
| discovered the main things that make a good | | | | backpack should weigh no more than 15% of a child's |
| backpack. Properly designed and well-padded shoulder | | | | total weight. In other words, if your child weighs 120 |
| straps, load stabilizing adjustable straps, a waist belt to | | | | pounds, the total weight of their school backpack |
| place more weight on the hips and off of the | | | | should be no more than 18 pounds. Kids should also be |
| shoulders/back, and several internal compartments to | | | | warned about the negative effects of carrying a |
| divide the load more evenly. | | | | backpack using only one strap, or in any other |
| The Experts Say Backpacks May Be Too Heavy | | | | improper manner. |
| Studies show that most kids are carrying way too | | | | How to Get the Right Backpack for Your Child |
| much weight in their school backpacks. "Wearing | | | | Don't go for the cheap backpacks typically found in |
| backpacks improperly or ones that are too heavy put | | | | large displays at your local discount retail store. Also, |
| children at increased risk for musculoskeletal injuries", | | | | stay away from the celebrity bags that feature the |
| said Mary Ann Wilmarth, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, assistant | | | | latest motion picture theme or animated character. |
| dean and director of transitional doctor of physical | | | | These backpacks are manufactured for only one |
| therapy degree program, Northeastern University. | | | | reason and that is to get unknowing consumers to buy |
| Wilmarth studied Pre-K through 9th grade students in | | | | cheap stuff for way too much money. |
| the Andover, Massachusetts area over a period of | | | | Instead, look at some of the backpack manufacturers |
| time. Her research found that improperly wearing a | | | | who have been around for a long time. Companies like |
| backpack, or wearing an overloaded backpack had a | | | | L.L. Bean (R), North Face (R), and JanSport (R) have |
| long-term negative effect on children. | | | | been making top-notch, quality backpacks for many |
| Other studies which were conducted in New Zealand, | | | | years. These guys really know what they're doing. |
| Australia, and the U.S. reached the same conclusions | | | | Look for a simple backpack that has adjustable and |
| about backpack weight, improper use, and the | | | | padded shoulder straps, load stabilizing straps, and an |
| negative effects on posture. There needs to be much | | | | adjustable waist strap. A good quality backpack can |
| more research done in order to determine the overall | | | | be found for less than $50. |
| long-term effects on young kid's back, neck, shoulder, | | | | Take some time to research the best backpacks for |
| and posture. | | | | your child's comfort and long-term health. |