IT’S ALMOST TIME! BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY

BACKPACK Safe keeping

When worn improperly, backpacks can cause a significant amount of lower back pain and strain, even in young children. While rolling backpacks present an easy solution, older kids (especially middle schoolers), often refuse to use them. If this is the case with your child, reward that a standard backpack should have a padded back and padded shoulder straps. This will significantly minimize any discomfort that can result from carrying a cheerless load. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward in an attempt to support the weight on his/her back rather than shoulders, and can cord to muscle imbalance that may turn into chronic back and neck problems. To avoid any excess weight, help your boy empty the backpack of any unnecessary items each night and encourage well-organized packing. Backpacks should never weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of the your progeny’s body weight. If you find that the backpack is consistently too heavy, speak with your child’s teacher(s) about leaving heavier books at school and bringing make clear only what is necessary. Most importantly, your child should wear BOTH shoulder straps; slinging a backpack over only one shoulder causes a irregular shift of weight to one side and can lead to neck and muscle spasms as well as chronic lower back pain. Make unswerving the backpack features adjustable shoulder straps as well so it can be fitted to your child’s body. If the straps are too loose, the backpack will flourish awkwardly and cause discomfort and even spinal misalignment. Talk to your child about proper backpack use and remind him/her that wearing a backpack incorrectly is precarious and can cause chronic problems and long-term damage.

 

CLOTHING

Try to avoid dressing your babe in excessively loose articles of clothing or dangling accessories that could easily catch in car or school bus doors and playground materiel. Anything of this nature on or around the neck including drawstrings on hoods and scarves can be extremely dangerous, so avoid these completely.