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BACK TO SCHOOL ▸

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School backpacks come in di erent sizes for di erent ages. Choose the right size pack for your child as well as one with enough room for necessary school items.

BACKPACKS

Here’s a pop quiz for parents.

An incorrectly worn backpack can:

Weaken kids’ muscles and injure their joints Lead to posture problems

Cause back and neck pain and arm tingling All of the above

Unfortunately, the right answer is D. But you can help kids avoid these injuries. Here are some tips from the American Occupational Therapy Association:

Pack light. If a backpack is more than 15 percent of your child’s body weight, it’s too heavy. That means that a child who weighs 100 pounds should have a backpack that’s 15 pounds or less. If the pack is consistently too heavy, a backpack on rollers might be the way to go.

Pack right. Put the heaviest items closest to your child’s back. Pack things so that they don’t slide around. And only pack those items that are necessary for that day.

Pick a pack that fts. It should have two wide, well-padded shoulder straps; a padded back; and a waist strap. Adjust the straps so the pack fts snugly on your child’s back. And kids should wear both straps — not sling the pack over just one shoulder. Wearing it incorrectly can strain muscles and harm the spine.

Also, teach your children to lif properly and bend at both knees when carrying their packs. Tell them to stop at their lockers during the day, if possible, to trade out books and supplies, so they carry only what they need. And encourage your child to let you know if he or she is having any pain or discomfort.

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C D

that’s a lesson in eating right

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s e. Let kids know it’s a