Katie Eggleston DPT, physical therapist at the Pineville office of Child and Family Development, emphasizes that we can improve our health and build motor skills not just in a physical therapy session or gym, but in everyday events and activities already happening around the house.
In August, Katie has ideas about backpacks!
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), “improper backpack use can cause injury, especially to children with young, growing muscles and joints.”
Good features to look for in a backpack include:
- Padded straps (TWO!)
- Padded back
- Waist belt
Backpack fit and safety tips:
- Backpack should sit snugly in the middle of the back, not be sagging down to waist
- Both straps should be used, on each shoulder. Using just one strap can cause muscle imbalance and injury
- Waist strap should be fastened to distribute weight of pack evenly through back and pelvis
- Keep heaviest books closest to the rear of the pack (closest to child’s back)
- A backpack should weigh only 10-15% of your child’s weight
Happy Back To School!