How to properly stuff a student’s backpack

When children overstuff their backpacks, they risk shouldering a much heavier burden than a few extra books, CDs, or cell phones.

Extra weight can cause neck and back pain, permanent posture problems, and even difficulty breathing.

Each year, the American Occupational Therapy Association marks National School Backpack Awareness Day to educate parents, teachers and students about the right weight and fit of backpacks.

A backpack should never weigh more than 15 percent of the weight of the child carrying it, and both shoulder straps and the waist belt should always be used.

Heavier items should be placed closest to the child’s back, and nearest to the bottom of the pack.

Discover 10 tips to backpack safety on the AOTA website at www.promoteot.org/AI_Back packAwareness.html.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.