Backpack Comfort

As summer continues and school begins to loom ever nearer, we have to think about everything kids are required to carry to and from school.  The size of the backpack really does matter to the health of their backs.  This month we are lookin gat backpacks and what we should keep in mind when fitting our children for a backpack.

Kids and backpacks just seem to go together. Whether tou are heading out on a holiday with the kids or sending them off to school, cances are they’ll be packing a backpack.  Ifthey don’t know how to choose, load, lift and wear a backpack properly it can be a pain in the back

Teaching children the importance of properly suing their backpacks is key to helping them avoid injury.  Carrying a heavy load that is unevenly or improperly distributed can result in poor posture; and even distort the spinal column, throwing it out of alignment.  THis can cause muscle strain, headaches, back, neck and arm pain, and even nerve damage.

Tips for Proper Backpack Use:

  1. Pack it Light
  2. Wear it Right

Prevention is Key!

Packing it Properly

Make sure your childs pack contains only what is needed for that day, and that the weight is distrubuted evenly.  The total weight of the filled pack should be no more than 10-15 percent of the wearer’s bodyweight

Put the pack on a flat surface at waist level. Slip the pack on one shoulder at a time and then adjust the straps to fit comfortably.

Wearing it Right

Both shoulder straps should be used, and adjusted to that the pack fits snugly to the body, without dangling to the side. You should only be able to slide your flat hand between the backpack and your child’s back.

More than 50 percent of young people experience at least one episode of low back pain by their teenage years.  Research indicates one cause is improper use of backpacks.

So pack it ligth and wear it right!

Prevention is Key

Choosing the right backpack:

Go for light weight vinyl or canvas.

Pick a pack that has two wide adjustable, padded shoulder straps, along with a hip or waist strap, padded back and plenty of pockets

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out”

Who's Got Your Back?

Prevention-The back is the most common place for Melanoma and it’s also the deadliest form of skin cancer.  It’s a difficult job to adequately apply sunscreen on your own back.  Many people don’t wantto ask for help and may decide to go without protection of sunscreen rather than ask for help.  It is important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen that is water-resistant (SPF 30+). Find a family member or friend who “has your back” to assist in applying sunscreen.

In addition to sunscreen, try to find shade wheneer possible and wear clothes that are protective whenever possible.  And of course stay out of the sun between 10am and 4pm whenever possible.

Detection-Very few people will check their back for skin cancer at least once a year.  A partner can help to look for signs regularily in hard to see areas.  Early detection leads to better outcomes!

This is also and opportunity to talk with your Chiropractor about taking a look at your back and letting you know what is going on.

Melanoma Detection (ABS’s)

Asymmetry-One half is not like the other

Border-Irregular, scalloped or uneven edges

Colour–Varied from one area to another, shades of brown, tan or black, sometimes red, blue or other colours.

Diameter-Larger in diameter than the size of a pencil eracer (6mm)

Evolving-Any changes in the size, shape, colour or another trait.

Stay Sun Safe

  1. Cover up-wear light coloured long sleeeved shirts
  2. Wear shades-make sure they have AVA and UVB protection
  3. Sunscreen-use a sunscree with an SPF of at least 15 and reapply every 2 hours
  4. Watch the time-keep out of the sun between 11am and 4pm