Have you ever seen a kid standing at a bus stop wearing a backpack that’s almost as big as he is? Sometimes I wonder how they keep from falling over backward. I don’t remember ever carrying that much stuff when I was in school, but, of course that was the old days. Anyway, “backpack safety” has become a concern in recent years, as carrying too much weight can lead to injury. It is estimated that more than 40 million students carry backpacks, and over half of these children regularly carry more than the recommended safe weight in the backpack. Here are some tips to avoid problems:
- Choose a backpack that has straps which are wide and well padded. A waist strap can also help to distribute the load.
- Make sure the backpack fits snugly — a loose backpack can put a lot of strain on the upper back muscles.
- Wear the backpack correctly — do not sling it over one shoulder.
- Weight — the loaded backpack should not weigh more than 15 percent of the body weight of the wearer. Heavier items should be packed first so they sit closer to the body.
With a little effort, you can avoid big problems.
So is it just my imagination, or are backpacks and books are heavier now? Readers, use the comments button below to tell me about stories that prove me right or wrong.
Update — Mount Anthony, Hoosick Falls, and Cambridge football all won last weekend. On Saturday Hoosick Falls goes to Cambridge, and it should be a great one.