Knapsacks, Bookbags and Pouches

Hi All,

Now that summer is here I'd like to talk about something that lots of kids do: carrying knapscaks, bookbags and the like.

From CBS News.com comes this article about how 'Kids Book Bags Can Be Backbreaking'. Click here for the link and the full-text of the article that got me thinking about this problem - which made this entry possible. Also, click on this link for an article from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons entitled, 'Back To School Parents Earn an A+in Safety: Backpacks, Cheerleeding, and Football'. Essentially this article gives advice and statistics on how to limit the potential problems your child can have with backpacks for school and camp. Interesting stuff and it might just help you avoid a doctor appointment for you child.

Click here for an article from CNNHealth entitled, 'Avoid School Strain: Unstuff That Backpack'. This article discusses solutions that Pediatric Orthopaedic surgeons suggest for kids to do to limit possible back problems.

For example, the article discusses that parents should make sure that kids backpacks should fit - be the right size, have large straps, and to check for extra 'stuff' that kids pack in the backpack during the school year.

From Kidshealth.org comes this site - click here for the link that discusses backpack safety for children.

Finally, from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons comes this link that discusses backpack and bookbag safety from a doctors' perspective. The article discusses how to choose the correct backpack, how to prevent injuries and tips for parents.

Hope the links are useful and interesting.

Stu