We hope that everyone had a great Christmas and a safe holiday period. Now that the new year is here, it’s back to school for Queensland kids!
The start of a new school term often means it’s time to stock up on new uniforms, pencils, paper – and a new school backpack! According to an international study, school backpacks are one of the most frequent causes of discomfort for school children; they were felt to cause backpain by 46.1% of respondents, and fatigue by 65.7%. To keep you and your family happy this school term, try the following tips that have been recommended by the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia:
- Make sure the backpack is light, sturdy and comfortable to wear. The width of the backpack should be no wider than the student’s chest.
- Comfort and fit should be at the top of the priority list. Shoulder straps should be broad and padded.
- Better quality backpacks will come with attached waist straps, which should be used where possible – they are there for a good reason!
- Backpacks should be ideally no heavier than 10% of the student’s weight when packed, and don’t wear the backpack any lower than the hollow of the lower back.
- Place any heavy items at the base of the pack, close to the spine, for a better distribution of wait.
- Learn from Chiro Man – use both of the shoulder straps for a happy spine! Never sling the pack over one shoulder:
For a posture assessment for you or your children, advice on how to maintain a healthy spine or to make an appointment, contact us today at Andrew Vincent Chiropractic on 07 3221 1346.
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