Backpack Awareness Maine Occupational Therapy Association and LL Bean Saturday September 12, 2013

September 18 th is National Backpack Awareness Day!

Occupational Therapy Occupational Therapy is a skilled profession which enables people of any social circumstance, age, ability, injury and/or disease to engage in meaningful life activities – the OCCUPATIONS of life.

Maine Occupational Therapy Association –Is a non-profit organization which represents occupational therapy practitioners throughout Maine –is committed to serve as a state resource, to further the practice of occupational therapy through research and study and to have an impact on the legislative, medical and reimbursement communities as consumer and professional advocates

AOTA is the national professional association established in 1917 to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services Visits for more infowww.aota.org

L.L. Bean Thank you L.L. Bean for partnering with MeOTA to provide a day event to educate students, parents, teachers, business people, travelers, health professionals etc about BackPack Awareness

Did you know? More than 2,000 backpack-related injuries were treated at hospital emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, and clinics in 2007.

Did you know? About 55% of students carry a backpack that is heavier than the recommended guideline of 10% of the student’s total body weight.

Did you know? According to a study by Boston University, approximately 85% of university students self-report a discomfort and pain associated with backpack usage.

Did you know? Heavy purses, shoulder straps without padding, and heavy briefcases place extra pressure on the nerves of the neck and shoulders and can result in pain in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Pain may be described as pins and needles, tingling, stiffness, numbness, or tightness.

Did you know? Lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding, and dragging heavy loads in a suitcase involve static and dynamic efforts, which cause strain on muscles and joints, and wear and tear on the back.

How to Wear a Backpack The height of the backpack should extend from approximately 2 inches below the shoulder blades to waist level or slightly above the waist. It is recommended that individuals always wear the backpack on both shoulders so the weight is evenly distributed.

How to Wear a Backpack

Work Smarter not Harder

10 tips to avoid backpack- related health problems Never let a child carry more than 10% of his or her body weight. This means a child who weighs 100 pounds shouldn't wear a backpack heavier than 10 pounds. Load heaviest items closest to the child's back and arrange books and materials to prevent them from sliding.

Always wear both shoulder straps. Wearing only one strap can cause a child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing pain or discomfort. Select a pack with well-padded shoulder straps. Too much pressure on shoulders and necks can cause pain and tingling. Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack fits snugly to the child's back. The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back, never more than four inches below the child's waistline.

Use the waist belt, if the backpack has one, to help distribute the pack's weight more evenly. Check what your child carries to school and brings home to make sure the items are necessary to the day's activities. If the backpack is too heavy, consider using a book bag on wheels if your child's school allows it. Choose the right size pack for your child's back as well as one with enough room for necessary school items.

Backpack Alternative

How to Wear a Purse Place the strap diagonally across the opposite shoulder to help distribute weight evenly across the back.

How to Pack a Briefcase Make time every evening or morning to review the contents of your briefcase. Remove unnecessary duplicates such as extra pens and notebooks. Only keep the items needed for that day, and leave other items at home or in your car.

Tips for Suitcases Select a suitcase with large wheels. The suitcase should have 4 wheels, allowing for smooth rolling over various surfaces and better maneuverability through small spaces and aisles, or 2 wheels with a 360° turning radius.

If a you or a student is experiencing back pain or neck soreness, consult a physician or occupational therapist.

LL Bean Products

See the volunteers or LL Bean Staff for handouts or questions! Thanks For Stopping By!