Home Care Education: Children and Backpacks What is happening when you stand, sit, work, play, and sleep. It is not just what you are doing... It is how you do what you are doing. Education, commitment, breaking old bad habits and practicing new improved habits of proper posture, breathing, and other various techniques, such as nutrition, water, exercise,and self improvement approaches are the key to a successful program geared toward reducing pain, stress, and enhancing the quality of your life. Backpacks Knock Backs Out Of Whack! All too often, our children and teenagers carry their backpacks with one strap swung over one shoulder. They stuff so much inside them that they could be carrying as much as 50% of their own body weight. "The improper use of backpacks can lead to chronic back and neck problems, which can cause problems later in life," said Michael Hisey, MD, and orhtopedic surgeon at Texas Back Institute. The institution has always recommended non-surgical treatment for complex spine problems, and 89% of its patients recover without back surgery. Here are some tips to make sure your children carry their backpacks properly: 1. Backpack should way no more than 10% of the person's body weight. 80lb. child should carry no more than 8lbs.. 2. Bulky and pointy objects should be packed away form child's back. 3. Use adjustable backpacks that fit the child properly. Both shoulder straps should always be used and straps are to be adjusted each time the child puts it on so that it fits close to the body. Use waist strap for added support. (Source:HealthNewsDigest.com)   Return to Our Services