Heritage Health Helps Kids with Injury Prevention Tips for Heavy Backpacks
Poor posture, long-term muscle and joint damage caused by heavy backpacks
Centennial, CO, October 02, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Backpack injuries are on the rise and, according to health practitioners at Heritage Health, a lot can be done about it. In fact, nearly 7,000 children are injured each year due to heavy loads in their backpacks.
Chiropractor Paul Marmalick with Heritage Health tells parents that “many backpack injuries result either from kid’s backpacks being too heavy or wearing the backpacks incorrectly.” There are specific steps you can take to prevent backpack injury. “The biggest thing you can do to help your kids”, Marmalick suggests, “is to weigh your child and their backpack. Backpacks should be no more than 10 – 15 percent of their body weight.”
Backpacks should be worn with the straps tightened – enough for the backpack to fit closely to the body and be about 2 inches above the waist. Marmalick says that, “The pack should rest in the curve of the lower back, never more than 4 inches below the waistline.”
Marmalick tells us that frequent stretching, strengthening certain muscle groups, and teaching children proper lifting techniques will help prevent injury and poor posture. If your child complains of back, shoulder, or neck pain, has red marks on their shoulders, leans forward to carry their backpack, or complains of back pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs, you should consult a chiropractor or physical therapist immediately.
About Heritage Health
Heritage Health, based in Centennial, Colo., is a full-service healthcare facility specializing in the prevention and treatment of both workplace and day-to-day injury. Our unique multi-disciplinary practice consists of chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy. We also publish a healthcare blog, www.HeritageHealth.net/blog which provides information on non-invasive ways to prevent injury and live to your fullest potential. For more information contact us at 303-694-1245 or visit our website www.HeritageHealth.net.
###
Chiropractor Paul Marmalick with Heritage Health tells parents that “many backpack injuries result either from kid’s backpacks being too heavy or wearing the backpacks incorrectly.” There are specific steps you can take to prevent backpack injury. “The biggest thing you can do to help your kids”, Marmalick suggests, “is to weigh your child and their backpack. Backpacks should be no more than 10 – 15 percent of their body weight.”
Backpacks should be worn with the straps tightened – enough for the backpack to fit closely to the body and be about 2 inches above the waist. Marmalick says that, “The pack should rest in the curve of the lower back, never more than 4 inches below the waistline.”
Marmalick tells us that frequent stretching, strengthening certain muscle groups, and teaching children proper lifting techniques will help prevent injury and poor posture. If your child complains of back, shoulder, or neck pain, has red marks on their shoulders, leans forward to carry their backpack, or complains of back pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs, you should consult a chiropractor or physical therapist immediately.
About Heritage Health
Heritage Health, based in Centennial, Colo., is a full-service healthcare facility specializing in the prevention and treatment of both workplace and day-to-day injury. Our unique multi-disciplinary practice consists of chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy. We also publish a healthcare blog, www.HeritageHealth.net/blog which provides information on non-invasive ways to prevent injury and live to your fullest potential. For more information contact us at 303-694-1245 or visit our website www.HeritageHealth.net.
###
Contact
Heritage Health
Dr. Timothy Nelson
303.694.1245
www.HeritageHealth.net
7555 E. Arapahoe Rd., Suite 2
Englewood, CO 80112
Dr. Timothy Nelson
303.694.1245
www.HeritageHealth.net
7555 E. Arapahoe Rd., Suite 2
Englewood, CO 80112
Contact
Categories