Wednesday September 19, 2012 is National Backpack Awareness Day. It's a day dedicated to the increased awareness of children and adolescence who might be experiencing low back pain from carrying heavy backpacks. Have you ever seen children waiting for the school bus with their backpacks over stuffed and probably weighing more than the child? AOTA recommends that a child's backpack weigh no more than 10% of a child's body weight.
Backpack awareness day is not just for children - adults should be checking out their briefcases, luggage and purses for the same issues.
Take a look at these safety tip sheets put out by AOTA. Let's try to keep the whole family safe when performing their activities of daily living.
Check out Karen Jacobs, EdD, OTR/L, CPE, FAOTA- youtube video, she will review 3 important tips on selecting the right backpack for your child, packing it correctly, and wearing it correctly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4_zMnvJu6Q
I have included tip sheets that you can print out and keep handy.
-Backpack Strategies for Parents and Students
http://www.aota.org/DocumentVault/Backpack/44388.aspx
- Ergonomic Strategies for Carrying a Purse
http://www.aota.org/DocumentVault/Backpack/44395.aspx
- Ergonomic Strategies for Using a Briefcase
http://www.aota.org/DocumentVault/Backpack/44396.aspx
-Ergonomic Strategies for Using a Suitcase
http://www.aota.org/DocumentVault/Backpack/44397.aspx
For more information contact: Integrated Mind & Body, LLC
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