At Waverley Chiropractic Centre located at 490 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley we are offering free backpack check-ups for all school kids up until the end of February.
The end of January is a busy time in our household as 6 kids get ready for the new school year. Making sure that backpacks fit properly is an essential part of getting ready for the year.
Heavy, poorly fitted and packed backpacks may lead to spinal health problems in children. We have your back with these handy 5 backpack tips.
Tip 1: Pack the heaviest items closest to the spine
The closer the weight of the school backpack is to the spine, the less the load that is put onto your childs’ back thus helping to reduce the chance of discomfort or back pain. Ideally the backpack and contents should be less than 10% of your childs’ body weight. That’s not much! So encourage your child to take the minimum to and from school.
Tip 2: Make sure to do all the zips up
Apart from stopping to allow items to fall out, zipping up your bag will decrease the space from the outer part of your backpack to your back, therefore decreasing the strain on your spine.
Tip 3: Secure the sternum, waist and compression straps
These straps are there for a reason! They help to compress your bag and also give stability whilst walking, avoiding unnecessary stress onto your childs’ back.
Tip 4: Always use both shoulder straps
More and more kids are doing this now, which is great. It helps to distribute the weight evenly through your childs’ back.
Tip 5: Don’t wear below the hollow of the lower back
This is a major problem. It may look trendy but it also puts extra strain onto your childs’ back. You may want to cut off the straps so your child can’t wear the bag around their bottom!!
For more information on maintaining a healthy spine or to book a backpack check-up, please visit the Waverley Chiropractic Centre website at www.waverleychiro.com.au or phone 88395364. Check our Youtube clip on these tips here.