Fighting obesity...

         ...of the Backpack

Our children are carrying too much weight, and I'm not just talking about their bodies.  We have a problem we can solve immediately: the weight they carry in backpacks.

Some children are carrying 20, 30, or even 40% of their body weight on their backs. Imagine: a grown man carrying a 3rd grade child around on your back at work--it would look ridiculous, because it is ridiculous!  Students should not be compromising their bodies for books and gear; we need to be smarter.  Let's talk about solutions:

First: weigh your child--then weigh their backpack.  It should be no heavier than 10% of their body weight.  If they are 80 lbs, this means 8 lb pack; 120 lb child = 12 lb pack.  Review every item and determine need.  Their health is more important than any school supply and a duplicate book copy is much cheaper than a doctor's visit.

Second: check the fit of the pack.  Select a small to medium sized pack to prevent over stuffing.  Encourage utilizing both straps, resting on the middle of the collarbone, not the edge.  Ensure the pack rests in the small of the child's back, not on their hips or glutes.

These encouragements apply to children of all ages.  Poor bag ergonomics can create back, neck, shoulder pain.  Yes, this goes for purses too.  [Tiptoe carefully, Dr. Anthony :) ] If your child has symptoms which might relate to their backpack, a chiropractor, physical therapist or other trusted physician may offer great help with a return to good form.  Don't let pain or dysfunction go unaddressed.  It is not "growing pains" to have symptoms from carrying too much for our body.