Help Your Child Build a Better, Healthier Back
With your child rounding the corner into their second month of school, you may have noticed that their work load has definitely increased, especially for middle and high schoolers. When your kids come home and start to empty the contents of their backpack, you may find they have about five thick text books jammed in there at all times. You may also be noticing your little scholar trying to crack their necks, rubbing their shoulders, constantly stretching their backs, or you may have even noticed significant change in their posture.
These signs can be extremely disconcerting, and could be indicators that your kids are not wearing those backpacks correctly. It might be time for you to take initiative and help the kids wear and pack their back packs the smart way. These are a four tips to help your student carry their backpacks the healthy way.
1. Lockers
Generally middle schools and high schools provide lockers to their students, specifically for lessening the book load. Encourage and help your kids develop a schedule for homework, so they’ll know which books they will need to bring home, and which ones they wont. If your child’s school does not provide lockers, get involved with PTA, and begin dialogue about the importance of your child’s physical health.
2. Use All Three Straps
It is important that your child is wearing their backpack correctly. Sometimes it’s the “cool” thing to do to just sling it over one shoulder, however this promotes misalignment. Now you might be thinking, “Three straps? I thought there were only two?”. More often than not, backpacks have a strap that buckles around the waist. Have your child buckle that third strap, as it will help with weight distribution, and won’t pull down on their shoulders.
3. 10%
Your child’s backpack should weight 10% or their overall body weight. If your son or daughter weighs 100 pounds, than their backpack should only weigh a maximum of 10 pounds.
4. Pack Smart
When your child is packing up their things for school, give them a friendly reminder to put the heaviest book closest to their back, and the lightest book towards the front of the back pack. This way, the weight of the books are not pulling your child’s shoulders back in an unnatural way.
If you do notice your child needing more extensive intervention with their back health, do be sure to look for The Joint… The Chiropractic Place in your neighborhood. Walk-ins are always welcome, which helps parents with hectic schedules, and they can provide you with helpful and affordable back and joint care.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of r. nial bradshaw