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Monday, 06 October 2008 12:04 |
Taking the Measures to Protect Spinal Health July - August 2002 ICPA Newsletter As school approaches and we get new backpacks for our children, there are important safety measures to consider in choosing and wearing backpacks. Backpack Safety America/ International gives us these simple steps for avoiding injury and improving spinal health. Step 1: Choose Right. Choosing the right size backpack is the most important step to safe backpack use. Tip: Bring a friend to help you measure your backpack properly.
Step 2: Pack Right The maximum weight of the loaded backpack should not exceed 15 % of your body weight, so pack only what is needed.
Tip: If the backpack forces the wearer to move forward to carry, it's overloaded.
Step 3: Lift Right.
Face the Pack -Bend at the Knees - Use both hands and check the weight of the pack. Lift with the legs. Apply one shoulder strap and then the other. Tip: Don't sling the backpack onto one shoulder Back Pack Safety America and your Doctor of Chiropractic have contributed this information for your child’s better health. www.backpacksafe.com |