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Home > Blogs > Lakota Schools News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > September > 09 > Entry
Is your child’s backpack too heavy?
I remember the days when back packs weren’t banned from in-school use, and I hauled practically every book in my locker to class. Then, I hauled almost the same amount home for homework.
I have been out of school a while, so I don’t know the weight students now are hauling in their back packs. But, I suspect it still gets pretty heavy. That is why this press release caught my attention. It is about awareness about back injuries due to overly heavy loads.
Check it out below.
September 16, 2009 is National School Backpack Awareness Day. National School Backpack Awareness Day is held every September by occupational therapy practitioners across the nation. The Ohio Occupational Therapy Association is joining the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in encouraging backpack awareness day events to educate children, parents, school administrators, teachers, and communities about the serious health effects on children from backpacks that are too heavy or worn improperly.
The Backpack Awareness Day events are important because the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 23,000 people ended up in emergency rooms in 2007 with injuries from backpacks and book bags. Children and young adults returning to school is a reminder that more than 79 million individuals in the U.S. will once again be carrying heavy loads back and forth to school every day. Experts estimate that about 55 percent of children will be carrying too much weight. Research also shows children carrying overloaded and improperly worn packs are likely to experience neck, shoulder, and back pain; adverse effects on posture and the developing spine; and compromised breathing and fatigue. AOTA recommends that school backpacks weigh only 15 percent of a child’s weight. The growing awareness of potential long-term problems to children has resulted in increased medical research, and more coverage of the issue in mainstream publications as well as medical journals. Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting accreditation standards, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.
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