Some degree of controversy exists on the
issue of Backpack safety. On one hand, we watch our children leave
for school every day with backpacks clearly overloaded. Common sense
dictates that too much weight, unevenly balanced, overloading a developing
spine, can be detrimental to normal development and may cause early
stage back problems.
On the other hand, today's kids are plagued by obesity secondary to
inactivity often caused by seemingly endless sessions in front of
the TV, Game Cube, Playstation, and Nintendo. Carrying a heavy backpack
may be the only exercise our kids get in the course of a normal day.
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Are more kids experiencing
back pain secondary to over stuffed backpacks, or poor muscle
development secondary to a sedentary lifestyle?
Common sense dictates that as parents we must address both issues.
Lighten the load, and turn off the TV, forcing your kids outside
to participate in some type of physical activity! |
In general, it seems wise to limit the weight of the backpack to no
more than 10-15% of their body weight.
| |
(Weight of
your child) x (15%) = allowable weight in backpack) |
Example: (100 lbs. Child) x (15%) = 15 lbs. In backpack. |
