Back to school: backpacks do not bother returning to classrooms
September It is almost a reality for everyone. With this month comes the famous return to school that involves many things: from purchases of new materials, return to a routine and resume forgotten practices such as carry on the back again a backpack and a weight in it. Something that can end up causing damage to this part of the body if you are not careful.
Not only because of the amount of weight contained in the backpack, but because a good model has not been chosen. From the Spanish Pediatric Association, AEP, we are reminded of the importance They have these objects in the health of the students and encourages us to make a good choice so that the return to school does not also mean the beginning of health problems in children.
What to keep in mind when choosing a backpack
As we have said, not only do we have to take into account the amount of weight that school children carry on their backs, we also have to assess the type of backpack they will take to school. There is certain models that far from solving possible health problems, they cause them because they do not adapt correctly to the body or distribute the load in a bad way, causing it to fall on only one area.
That is why the AEP reminds some advice to all those parents who are thinking of buying a new backpack for the return to school of their children. This is what you have to take into account if this is your case, obviously you must also evaluate these points if the backpack that your children have does not adapt to the parameters set by pediatricians:
It is convenient that it be slight. Avoid backpacks that help a greater load on the back of the child, find the middle point between something strong enough to not break, but not weigh more than the count because of unnecessary ornaments.
Have two ribbons for each of the shoulders and that, both they and the area that gives the back of the child, are padded. In this way, these areas of the children's body will not suffer so much from excessive weight loading.
They can also be used backpacks with wheels. If you opt for this option, keep in mind that when traveling on uneven terrain with stairs, they can be more uncomfortable because in the case of climbing steps not only have to carry the weight of the backpacks, but the mechanism with rollers.
How to prevent injuries with backpacks?
Once chosen a correct model of backpack, it is important to take into account another series of tips so that when using these products it is not done in a way that could end up causing damage or causing a problem in some area of the body and cause some injury in school children. The AEP reminds both parents and students of the following tips in order to avoid these problems:
- That the backpack does not carry too much weight. It is recommended that the load does not exceed 10 to 15% of the child's weight. For example, for children of 20 kilos, the backpack should weigh a maximum of 2 to 3 kilos; for children of 30 kilos should not weigh more than 3 to 4.5 kilos; p, etc.
- Organize content. Always make sure that the things that weigh the most are in the bottom of the backpack. -Remove what you will not need during that day at school. There are children who do not forget anything, they always carry everything in their backpacks. This is not advisable since it means carrying an excessive load without any reason.
- Carry the backpack correctly. The two shoulder straps should always be used and they should be fastened securely so that the weight is evenly distributed between the two arms
- Proper musculature. Exercise is always recommended, another reason is to prevent the muscles of children are not adequate to carry the weight of your backpack. Less time in front of the screen and more moving will help your body suffer less.
Damián Montero
