We recently added a health fair and learned some pretty interesting tidbits about backpacks and kids' back health,
and I wanted to share them with you!
You may be really surprised by the numbers in this graph from the American Physical Therapy Association, American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:
I was shocked to realize that the small backpack Miss Grace was carrying, from items given to her at the health fair, was actually ALMOST her weight limit! You really need to weigh your child's backpack on a typical day to see if they are over the limit!
Here's what happened when I checked hers yesterday morning:
Here's what happened when I checked hers yesterday morning:
WHOA- almost 5 pounds! And that is WITH her lunch box!
WHEW, she was at her right amount. Now when she came home it was a full pound and a half lighter. Which was lunch and her water bottle! Now you know WHY so many kids are carrying their lunch boxes instead of putting them in their backpacks.
So was that an eye opener for you?
It was for me!
Now make sure YOU weigh your kids' backpacks today!
And here are some backpack suggestions from Cornell University Ergonomics Dept.:
This is great information for all parents. My children's backpacks were always too heavy for them. Too many books. But this guide is one that we should try to follow.
ReplyDeletetwinkle at optonline dot net