OT/PT        

Mrs. Stewart-Owen & Mrs. Lafleche

Before you know it, it will be time to

purchase school supplies for next year. 

Please consider the following when looking for a new backpack:

1.        Choose a pack that is appropriate to your child's size and age.

2.        Pick a backpack with wide, well-padded shoulder straps and a waist belt.  The padded straps help reduce pressure on the chest and shoulders, and the waist belt helps to distribute weight from the shoulders to the pelvis.

3.        Purchase a pack with reflective trim to increase your child's visibility in the dark.

4.        Choose a pack with compression straps that help stabilize the contents.

When loading a backpack:

1.        A child should never carry more than 15% of his body weight.  That’s 15 pounds for a child who weighs 100 pounds!

2.        Pack items well, so that the materials don't slide around in the pack.  Load heaviest items (books, notebooks) next to their backs and then place lighter items farther out.

3.        Don't carry a lot of extra stuff.  Carry only what is really needed for school each day.

Other considerations:

1.        Always wear both straps.  Wearing a pack over one shoulder causes a person to lean to one side and can strain the back.

2.        Adjust the shoulder straps so that the backpack fits snugly and the bottom of the pack rests in the curve of the lower back.

3.        Teach your kids to lift with their knees (back straight, bend then straighten the knees) when lifting heavy loads.

4.        Carrying too much weight or carrying a backpack incorrectly can cause long term back problems.

5.        Be aware of shoulder, back and neck pain complaints. All are signs the backpack is too heavy.