Start School Strong! 5 Backpack Safety Tips

With summer coming to an end, stores are filling with back-to-school supplies such as backpacks. Compared with other bags such as a purse or shoulder-bag, backpacks are one of the safest for a student's posture. Since backpacks use the large core muscles of the back and abdomen, students can start school strong! Especially when they keep in mind these 5 backpack safety tips provided by Dr. Reimer and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

1. Select a backpack that has smaller and individual compartments compared with one large storage area. The smaller compartments help to distribute the weight of the backpack evenly which reduces back pain and discomfort.

2. Encourage a student to use both shoulder straps. When students carry a backpack slung over only one shoulder, the weight of the back is not equal and may cause a student to lean sideways to counterbalance the pack. This places pressure on the spine and may lead to pain.

3. Choose a backpack that is the proper size and weight. A lightweight pack will not increase the strain on a student's core and these should be chosen if possible. The size of the pack depends on the student's height. An easy way to tell is that the bottom of the pack should not be more than four inches below the child's waist.

4. Teach students to only carry what they need. Instead of carrying every book from every class, we encourage them to bring home only the required study books. As a guideline, a student should not carry more than 10 to 15 percent of his weight.

5. Look for a pack that has wide shoulder straps, as narrow straps can dig into the shoulders. A student may lean forward to prevent the discomfort which can misalign the spine.

Dr. Reimer aims to improve a student's health through spinal adjustments and education. Call the Reimer Wellness Center at (650) 492-6067 to schedule your child's spinal checkup today.

Can you tell by looking at a student that his backpack is too heavy?