Health Tips for September 9

Health Tip: Is Your Child's Backpack Too Heavy?

Backpacks, if stuffed too full, can be so heavy that they can cause back pain and injury.

Here are some warning signs that your child's backpack is too heavy, courtesy of the U.S. National Safety Council:

• Your child's posture changes when the backpack is on.
• Your child has difficulty putting the backpack on, or taking it off.
• Your child has pain while the backpack is on.
• Your child feels a sensation of numbness or tingling while wearing the backpack.
• Your child has red marks on the shoulders or back from the backpack.

Health Tip: Choosing a Backpack

Along with pens, paper and notebooks, for many youngsters, a backpack is a back-to-school necessity.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these safety guidelines for selecting a backpack:

• Look for features that offer better support, comfort and safety.
• Choose a backpack with padding in the back to minimize pressure.
• Opt for a backpack that has belts around the hip and chest to more evenly distribute the contents.
• A backpack with lots of compartments is better, as it also helps evenly distribute the weight of school supplies.
• Look for compression straps at the bottom or side of the backpack to bring the contents closer to the back.
• Look for reflective material so your child is easier to see if walking in the dark.