Backpack Safety “Don’t Make a Mountain Out of a Backpack” Miami-Dade County Public Schools Division of Student Services, Physical Education and Health Literacy

Is the back a good place to carry books?

“YES” Majority of students in elementary, middle and high school, as well as college use them. It’s a fashion statement. It’s the logical way to carry a heavy load. Our backs are strong and flexible.

Our Vertebrae Stack of bony doughnuts, which don’t sit on top of each other, but fits neatly together. Like a loose-fitting 3D puzzle, which are soft and “spongy” discs.

The Vertebrate allows us to: WALK JUMP RUN SWIM GYMNASTICS CARRY A BACKPACK

What to look for in a back pack

Choosing the right backpack Select a backpack that is appropriate to your size and age. Or the option of a rolling backpack.

Choosing the right backpack Look for comfort Wide, Padded Shoulder Straps Two shoulder straps Padded back (lumbar cushion) Waist strap Lightweight

Using back packs correctly

Using backpacks correctly Pack light Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments Where appropriate, stop often at school lockers and remove unnecessary items Keep a second set of books at home if possible. Weight should be limited to 5% to 15% of their body weight

How to wear backpacks safely Bend legs and readjust the straps during each use. Always use both shoulder straps Tighten the straps so pack is close to the body. Use proper posture once in place. Adjust items in bag so that the padded surface rest against the back, as flat as possible.

How to wear backpacks safely Learn back-strengthening exercises to build up muscles used to carry a backpack

“What you shouldn’t do when wearing your pack” Should Not: Carry the backpack using one shoulder. Pack too much in a back pack Lean forward while carrying the backpack Forget to properly adjust the straps Carry unnecessary items in the pack.

When not to use a backpack Riding a bike Skating Skate boards

As A Result Packs make kids top heavy Less stable Less able to maneuver More likely to fall

Side effects of improper use Curvature of the spine. Spinal deformities. Poor posture. Neck, shoulder, and arm pain. Upper, mid, and lower back pain. Numbness and tingling of the fingers. Headaches.

STATISTICS According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 6,000 children are treated in emergency rooms each year for shoulder pain related to backpack use. More than half of those involved are children ages 5 to 14. Another survey performed by Simmons College found that one-third of 5th through 8th graders carry loads more than 15% of their body weight stated that they have suffered back pain.

STATISTICS The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation states that nearly 60% of young people will experience back pain by the time they are 18 years old.

Using proper back pack safety will keep them healthy and ready to learn