Weigh in on the backpack issue

There is concern about the average backpack load carried by school kids. Reseachers from the University of California in San Diego's School of Medicine think that too much backpack weight puts too much pressure on a child's shoulders. This can cause pain and an uneven backpack load could contribute to low back pain.

The article, A Weighty Issue, goes on to report that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports about 7,500 emergency room visits each year that are caused by injuries related to backpacks or book bags. That's a lot of injuries!

The researchers hope their  study will improve the way future backpacks are designed.

Here are some tips the article suggests to prevent a backpack-related injury:

• Your backpack should never weigh more than anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of your total body weight.
• Pack the heaviest items closest to your back.
• Use both shoulder straps to balance the backpack’s weight between your shoulders.
• Adjust the shoulder and waist straps so that the backpack fits close to your body and the weight is evenly distributed along your back.
• Stop often at school lockers and remove items you don't need, if possible.
• Use both knees when you bend down.
• Learn back-strengthening exercises to build up the muscles used to carry a backpack.
• Consider using a backpack that has wheels.
• Suggest that teachers consider the weight of the homework they assign, not just the amount.

So, I hope you are following these tips! Can you think of any others to add or do you have any other solutions? Weigh in on the backpack issue!