Editor's Note: This article was produced specifically for residents of the province of Ontario in Canada. There is, however, useful information for parents everywhere.
Ontario's back specialists are urging parents to take the time to carefully select a safe backpack for their children.
"Children are particularly vulnerable to problems associated with carrying poorly designed or overloaded backpacks," says Dr. Bryan Wolfe, president of the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA). "Excessive or unevenly distributed weight in a backpack can put strain on a child's growing spine."
"But these are problems that can be easily avoided with a little know-how," Dr. Wolfe adds.
The Ontario Chiropractic Association continues to spread the word about backpack safety to students, parents, and teachers through its public education program called "Pack It Light. Wear It Right." This program provides material such as posters, information sheets, activity sheets, and a video that outlines how to pack, lift, carry, and choose a backpack.
Backpack Tips
Size is everything
Choose a backpack that is proportionate to body size and not larger than needed. The top of the backpack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder, and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.
It's all in the material
Select a backpack made of lightweight material (vinyl or canvas instead of leather).
Strap it up
The shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide, adjustable, and padded. Ensure that they do not cut into or fit too snugly around and under the arms.
A little bit of padding
A backpack should have a padded back for added protection and comfort. Pack the odd-shaped items on the outside, so they don't dig into the back.
Pack it Right
Evenly distribute contents and pack the heaviest items closest to the body. This reduces the strain as the weight is closer to the body's centre of gravity.
Hug your hips
A hip strap or waist belt helps to effectively redistribute as much as 50 to 70 per cent of the weight off the shoulders and spine onto the pelvis, balancing the strain on the bones, joints, and muscles.
More pockets please
Choose a backpack that has several individual pockets instead of one large compartment, this will help to distribute the weight evenly and keep contents from shifting.
Weight a minute!
Backpacks should never exceed 15 per cent of a secondary school child's body weight or 10 per cent of an elementary school child's body weight.
Wheels and handles
Explore other backpack options such as a backpack with wheels and a pull handle for easy rolling.
Doctors of chiropractic are specialists trained to treat and prevent disorders of the spine and extremities. More information is available online at
www.chiropractic.on.ca, at 905-629-8211, or toll-free at 1-877 327-2273.
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