Backs to School
In some countries it is back to school time. That wonderful time when parents heave a sigh of relief as they wave
goodbye to their young scholars after the school holidays.
So they have healthy lunches, they are wearing sensible clothes, and they look happy as they skip off to school.
Just look at the poor things! Their back packs are bigger than they are, and they are carrying more weight than an Everest expedition.
What to do? Chiropractors around the world have similar recommendations:
- Use the lightest possible fabric for your backpack.
- Don’t carry more than 10-15% of your body weight.
- Have a pack the right size – it should fit comfortably between the shoulder and the hip.
- Ensure straps are wide enough and fitted firmly enough to support a good proportion of the weight; this minimises the “dead weight” drag on the shoulders and upper back.
- Speaking of straps, a pack has two shoulder straps for a reason. Use both of them.
- Try not to carry everything for every class all the time. Only take what you need.
- Have the pack at a manageable height behind to to put it on, to avoid twisting while lifting.
Most students will carry their bag over one shoulder. And most students will complain of back pain, shoulder pain, headaches and tiredness. So try to encourage a bit of common sense.
References: [Pack it light, wear it right], [Back pain - schoolbags], [EMG response of the human frame to wearing a backpack], [Back pack safety & Chiropractic]
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Reader Comments
This is a great, common sense article with good, common sense advice. So many of us (especially women, not just students) carry so much more “stuff” than we actually need to get through work, school, an event, etc.
You couldn’t even imagine how much junk women can carry in ONE bag! lol
I have learned to routinely dump out my bag before going anywhere, and also to have specific bags for work, my bag for shopping (just money, keys and wallet!), and when going to work out at the park, and for going to a social event. I am a backpacker, too, and for many of us, backpacker and packrat become the same thing! lol
Dump it out and lighten that load!
The Fitness Diva´s last blog ..Seize the Moment!
I agree with above commenter. I see a lot of kids at my sons school with those backpacks that you can drag along with you like a suitcase.
yeah this is so true, I remember my school days specially on my elementary days, wheeled bags or strollers are not available yet so I had to carry my back pack with all my books and notebooks.
ish´s last blog ..Common Cold Home Remedies
Thank you Jan, and you and Dave have a wonderful day too.
God bless,
Jodi
Jodi´s last blog ..I Am Being Baptized….
Good advice. Many parents and children could benefit from this.