Back To School

#2 in a series

Back-to-school shopping is for some a sad reminder of summer’s end being far too near, for others an exciting adventure anticipating new discoveries, and for everyone a simple necessity. As a parent, when helping your kids find all their school supplies, don’t forget a few important items that will support their health throughout the school year. The next in our series of back to school supplies is the…

Back Pack Recent research suggests that at least 50% of school aged kids will experience lower back trouble and pain during their youth; it is believed that one major cause of this upswing in youth back issues is the improper use of a school backpack. The range of trouble from an ill-fitted backpack goes from back pain, to muscle strain, to nerve impingement. This can lead to serious issues down the road, if kids go on year after year without regard to proper portage of their weighty supplies. Some pointers for keeping growing spines healthy and stress free:  

• Show kids how to pack the backpack so the weight is distributed evenly.
• Make sure they use both shoulder straps and don’t sling the entire pack over one shoulder.
• If the backpack has a waist strap (good idea), use it. This keeps the load as close to the back as possible.
• If they like the one shoulder messenger bag, have them switch shoulders half way through their walk.
• Prioritize what will go in the backpack, so that it’s overall weight is no more than 15% of the child’s body weight (a good math lesson too!).
• Teach kids to lift the pack using their legs (bend at the knees and don’t use your back to get the pack off the ground) when lifting a heavy backpack from the ground.
• Choose a backpack with reflective stripes for higher visibility at night; remember, daylight is longer when the school year starts, but many kids will be walking in a dark morning or evening during the bulk of the year.

Help your kids stay healthy throughout their school years and into their adulthood by choosing and using backpacks appropriately.
A good place to start your search for the right backpack is at the GKM Amazon Store.