Chiropractic Clinic Encourages Backpack Safety!

It has been reported that there are over 79 million students that carry a backpack to school each day. Most students (and possibly parents) are not aware of the potential and unseen neck and back problems that could come with the improper use of backpacks. To avoid long-term injuries as students head back to school this fall, McKim Chiropractic clinic encourage families to consider these safety tips to ensure a safe and injury-free school year.

McKim chiropractic center Nampa ID is a health care center vital to the injured athlete with sports chiropractor Nampa ID concern deliberate for your particular problems.

Safety tips from a chiropractic clinic on how to avoid backpack injuries:

1. Wear both shoulder straps evenly to properly distribute weight.
2. Get the correct size backpack for your child. They are NOT one-size-fits-all.
3. Do not pack too much weight. No one should carry more than 25 pounds in a backpack.
    Follow these guidelines to ensure student safety at school:

                Weight of Child (in pounds)            Maximum Backpack Weight
                             60                                              5
                          60 - 75                                        10
                          75 - 100                                      15
                         100 - 125                                     18
                         125 - 150                                     20
                         150 - 200                                     25*
                         * American Chiropractic Association, American Academy of Orthopedic
                         & nbsp; Surgeons, American Physical Therapy Association

4. The backpack should not extend below the lower back. Bigger is not better.
5. Lighten the load by eliminating unnecessary items. Put the heaviest items in the backpack first, keeping them close to the body.
6. Lift the backpack with your legs—put it on--one shoulder strap at a time.
7. Do not leave backpacks on the floor where they can become a tripping hazard.
8. Choose a quality backpack that has wide well-cushioned shoulder straps with a lumbar support/padding.

Ask your chiropractic clinic for their recommendations for high quality backpacks. If your child is having back problems, talk to their teacher about reducing the need to bring home textbooks or if at all possible, have an extra set for home use.

If you have questions and need help with your child's backpack or other health issues, call McKim Chiropractic clinic or go to http://www.mckimchiropractic.com for more information and to schedule an appointment. Our licensed and certified staff is committed to helping young students of Boise, ID, Nampa, ID, and Caldwell, ID, stay in good health and wellness!