The school backpack, never more than 10% of the child's body weight
Holiday ends and touches back to school. Change of habits and routines, a multitude of purchases and a new companion in the day to day of the children: the school backpack. Experts warn about the dangers of being too heavy and recommend that never exceed 10 percent of the child's weight. That is, if your little one weighs 35 kilos, his backpack should not be more than 3.5.
The excessive weight that most school children carry in their backpacks and on their shoulders has a worrying consequence: back injuries. That is why we must be serious and follow the recommendations of experts such as physiotherapist Samuel Merino: that the backpack does not weigh too much (remember, 10% of the child's weight) and, better to opt for the wheels.
Planning the trip to school: be careful with the load
To avoid back injuries caused by the weight of the backpack this expert advised to make a "good planning" of both the backpack and the journey what is going to be done: in this way, we have to see what school material to put in the backpack and what is dispensable, for example, the English dictionary is not necessary if that day does not touch that subject.
In this sense they are very positive the initiatives put in place to "dose" the books: a book that used to be used for the entire course has been divided into three books of smaller thickness, so that each quarter is used one and two can stay at home, so that both the volume and the weight of the backpack are greatly lightened.
It is also necessary to plan the route to the school if it It will be done walking. In this way, you should leave with enough time to Make a pause during the tour if needed, so that the path is much "lighter" for the child who carries the books.
Types of backpack for children and how to carry it
As we have already advanced, the best is opt for backpacks of wheels. This expert explains that this kind of backpack it is better until age 12, age from which the child already has a more developed body mass in the back and can better carry the backpacks.
Although at certain ages children do not want backpacks, you have to convince them that it is in their best interest. This expert explains that an excess of weight could cause "scoliosis and very slight contractures", a scoliosis that can be worked on in order to "prevent it" before the age of 12, because if it is "structured" from then on, it could become a more important pathology.
On backpacks, Merino recommends that it be made with wide handles and that the handles should not be too long. The backpack should be well attached to the shoulders and not the lower back, as many teenagers tend to wear it. The physiotherapist recommends carrying it with the shoulders back, the head as upright as possible and with a slight swing of the arms while walking.
If it is detected that the child has "a bad postural attitude"This expert recommends to inform the primary care physician and consult with a physiotherapist. In this sense, Merino concludes by warning that "bad postures" also occur when sitting badly, so remember that the shoulders should always be well positioned, with the back to the back of the chair and, very importantly, that children sit at tables adapted to their age.
Sport to avoid back injuries
As a way to avoid possible injuries caused by the weight of school backpacks this physiotherapist recommends the sport and, within it, swimming, as it is the most complete. With swimming children can "boost" their muscles of the spine vertebral, something that will help them to make their backs "competent", that is, that they are well covered and, therefore, able to support the weight of the backpack.
The sport must join, of course, uA balanced diet with healthy habits in food and lifestyle. In other words, the importance of making five meals a day and of paying special attention to breakfast, which must include the most important nutrients the child needs for the rest of the day, is again remembered.
Angela R. Bonachera
