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, September 10, 2007 -- Another school year is
under way, and children all around the region have headed back to
school carrying backpacks laden with school necessities.
However backpacks that are worn incorrectly or are too heavy can
cause injury to children and teens, and in recent years, Kimball
Medical Center has joined parents, teachers and school administrators
who have become increasingly concerned about backpack safety.
“A backpack that is too heavy or is worn improperly can cause
injury to a child’s growing bones and joints,” says
fellowship-trained sports physician James Morales, M.D., of Shore
Sports Medicine. “Injury can occur when a child uses unnatural
postures such as leaning to one side, bending over or arching the
back to carry a heavy backpack. This can result in improper spine
alignment, spine stress and fatigue.”
Dr. Morales offer the following school backpack safety tips:
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Select backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps.
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Match the size of the backpack to the child, When loaded, backpacks
should not weigh more than 15 percent of the child’s total
body weight, so use all available backpack compartments and
pack lightly.
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Wear both shoulder straps — this distributes the weight
more proportionately.
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Fit the backpack properly. The backpack should rest easily
across the middle of the back with the straps adjusted so that
the child’s arms can move freely. The backpack should
rest two inches above the child’s waist.
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Put the heaviest items in the backpack closest to the back
where the muscles are the strongest and only carry what’s
necessary.
“Parents should check with their children regularly to make
sure they do not have any back strain or pain from carrying their
backpack, and shouldn’t ignore any discomfort or problems
their children experience,” Dr. Morales says.
For referral to a Kimball Medical Center sports medicine specialist
or pediatrician, call 1-888-SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).
CONTACT: Kathleen Horan
Public Relations and Marketing
732-557-3909
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