For Hometown News
TREASURE COAST -
There are ways to prevent children from developing an injury due to an overloaded backpack.
As children head back to school, it is important to make sure they are properly carrying their school supplies in order to prevent muscle fatigue and strain.
The following tips are recommended to prevent injury:
.Use a backpack with wide padded straps and a padded back.
.Firmly tighten backpack straps so that the backpack is held two inches above the waist.
.Use a hip strap when backpacks are overloaded to minimize muscle strain.
.Encourage children to make frequent stops at their locker to unload books between classes.
.Make sure children know how to properly lift a heavy backpack. A child should bend at the knees, use their legs to lift the backpack, and place one shoulder strap on at a time to avoid injury.
Parents should watch for warning signs that a backpack is too heavy. Warning signs include a change in posture when wearing the backpack, pain while wearing the backpack, struggling when putting on or taking off the backpack, red marks on the shoulders, and tingling or numbness in arms or legs.
For more information, call (800) 448-3000.