Features
Chiropractors promote backpack safety for children
Free check ups available
Special to The Star
Hall Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic in Meridian is promoting backpack safety during the August and September.
As children return to school this month, awareness about how to properly carry and pack backpacks is critical said Dr. Jack Hall.
A press release issued by Hall last week said that while carrying a backpack to school every morning may seem harmless, more than 70 percent of orthopedic doctors feel they are a clinical problem for children according to a study conducted by the American Academy of Orthopedics because of backpacks that are overstuffed and too heavy.
“Young people are putting themselves in danger by carrying too much weight, and I think it is essential for children and parents to learn more about backpacks and how to carry them safely,” said Hall.
"There is growing evidence that backpacks may be a threat to spinal development,” said Hall. He cited an Auburn University study that reports that nearly 70 percent of the children it surveyed suffered muscle soreness, 50 percent experienced back pain, 25 percent numbness and another 15 percent shoulder pain from toting backpacks. More than 3,300 children age 5-14 years old were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to backpacks.
Hall said those numbers do not include students who went to family physicians or doctors of chiropractors.
Hall Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic will be providing a Complimentary Back to School Spinal Check-Up to help educate students and parents about the health issues of backpacks and how children can safely and correctly carry them. The check up is available from now until Oct. 1, by calling their office at (601) 483-2500.
Hall Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic is located at 1801 Highway 39 North, Meridian, and specializes in family health care.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
Backpacks can cause painful back and neck problems and injuries that can lead to long-term medical problems. In fact, a recent Simmons College research study found that 55 percent of fifth through eighth-grade students surveyed are carrying loads that are too heavy. Safety guidelines for backpacks advise children not to carry anything on their back in excess of 15 percent of their total body weight. For example a child weighing:
• 50 lbs should carry no more than 7.5 lbs
• 80 pounds should carry no more than 12 lbs
• 100 pounds should carry no more than 15 lbs
• 130 pounds should carry no more than 19.5 lbs
• 150 pounds should carry no more than 22.5 lbs
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