Friday, August 29, 2008

Packs that break backs














School.. School...School ...School.... School...


BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!!!!


The great words a parent can here. However...



With kids heading back to school it is very important that you start to think about their Back health. Around september, I start to get a lot of my young athletes coming in for extra Fascial Stretch Therapy sessions, and most of them have some minor muscular imbalances starting to try to creap into their shoulders and backs. Why would this see to happen in september more then any other time of year.

Overloaded, unbalanced, single arm slinged back packs and sitting for hours a day seem to play a large roll in the extra Fascial Stretch therapy that we do in September.


So here are some things that you need to think about when packing a back pack.
  1. Make sure it is fitted properly, close to the body

  2. Use both straps when carrying it. To many times I see kids with only one strap or the backpack over their shoulder. This contributes to twisting of the spine and compression down that one side. Wearing only one strap may seem cool but can cause a child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing pain or discomfort.
  3. Over loaded back packs,Never let a child carry more than 15% of his or her body weight
    I saw one so over loaded last year I thought the kid was half ant. I am amased the kid could move as I am sure that it was 3/4 their weight and alost as tall as them. It was like they were going camping for a month.

  4. distribute the weight evenly in the back pack, pack heavy items first.
  5. DO not over pack back pack. Here is an Idea get a note book that you can take notes in that has tear out pages so you can put them in their individual binds at the end of the day. this will cut down on the number of note books you or your kid has to carry.Check what your child carries to school and brings home to make sure the items are necessary to the day’s activities
  6. Use a pull bag if you have any back issues.
  7. Select a pack with well-padded shoulder straps. Too much pressure on shoulders and necks can cause pain and tingling
  8. Choose the right size pack for your child’s back as well as one with enough room for necessary school items If a student is experiencing back pain or neck soreness, consult your doctor or registered kinesiologist.
Also start thinking about good healthy snacks for your kids like Simple chocolate crsip bars for their snacks. Get them at http://www.3pkhealthstore.ca/ alng with all you need to live a healthier life.


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