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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – It may still be hazy, hot and humid this time of year but, believe it or not, back-to-school season is well under way and for parents and kids, the toughest question is knowing what supplies will be needed for the new semester.
One of the most important items to purchase for any child at just about any school age is a quality and safe backpack to carry all their gear. Dr. Sheeraz A. Qureshi, M.D., M.B.A., Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City suggests that parents consider function over fashion when choosing a backpack for a child.
“Healthy habits as an adolescent can reduce the chances of having chronic back problems as they get older,” commented Dr. Qureshi. “It is extremely important for students and parents to be mindful of the weight they are carrying and how they distribute that weight.”
Some additional backpack tips from Dr. Qureshi:
· Check the number of straps. Backpacks with two straps distribute the weight of the bag more evenly, placing less stress on the shoulders.
· It is also preferred that a backpack have a strap that goes around the child’s waist to balance the backpack’s weight between the shoulders and hips.
· Backpacks with wheels place almost no stress on the back and are therefore preferable to standard backpacks. However, some schools do not permit this type of rolling bag so check before buying one of these.
· Wearing a heavy backpack can affect the way you walk. For children, wearing the backpack lower on the back seems to improve walking mechanics and may reduce pain. http://www.mountsinai.org/
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