Backpacks are an essential for schoolchildren across the globe. While they are useful and considered as the easiest way to carry school items, many parents are not aware of the potentially harmful effects it can have on the body and health of their children.

1. Backpacks and
Children’s Health
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2. Backpacks are an essential for
schoolchildren across the globe. While
they are useful and considered as the
easiest way to carry school items,
many parents are not aware of the
potentially harmful effects it can have
on the body and health of their
children.
Lori Karol, MD, a spokesperson for
the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), told
WebMD that backpacks could cause
back, shoulder, and neck pain when
they are too heavy and worn for the
better part of eight hours a day. In
addition, William Hennrikus, MD,
chairman of the orthopaedic section
of the American Academy of
Pediatrics told the medical source
that kids are at risk of losing balance
and falling over if they are carrying a
heavy load.
There are some ways to minimise the
risks of injury brought about by
backpacks:

3. Choosing the Right Backpack
First things first: the backpack should have adjustable features. The straps
should be even so that the weight of the load can be distributed evenly. The
straps should be padded to minimise stress on the shoulders. It should be big
enough to accommodate the school items. If there are more things to carry, it
is advisable to use a separate bag or a backpack with wheels.
Using the Backpack Properly
Parents should remind kids to always wear both shoulder straps. Slinging one
strap over one shoulder will not only cause muscular pain; it may affect the
curvature of the spine. When packing items, experts recommend putting the
heaviest in the main compartment and placing smaller ones in the pockets to
stabilise the weight of the entire bag.

4. Encouraging Kids to Exercise
Exercises can help children maintain a healthy posture while carrying a load.
They will also strengthen the core and the back, which in turn will enable kids
to bear loads more efficiently. Simple exercises include bridging, planking, and
swimming.
These are only some of the things parents should consider when they let their
kids use backpacks. It is important to seek the services of a physical therapist
in case children feel recurring pains due to frequent use of backpack.
SOURCES:
http://www.permapleat.com.au/information/campus
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/kids-backpacks-101
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16670549