Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Emine Bukan Arıca said that the backpacks carried by children starting school can bring some health problems.
Stating that heavy backpacks pose a risk to children's health and can lead to undesirable consequences such as neck and spine injuries, Medline Adana Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Emine Bukan Arıca said that the weight of the bags should not be more than 10 to 15 percent of the child's body weight and gave warnings and suggestions to parents.
Bags should be ergonomic
Specialist Dr. Emine Bukan Arıca said that spinal diseases are one of the most common problems and said, “Studies show that those who suffer from low back pain in childhood carry a high risk of low back pain in later ages. It is important that the backpacks that children will use at school are ergonomically correct products and selected accordingly before their cosmetic beauty. Properly used backpacks are the most convenient and practical tools for carrying school supplies. Moreover, bags with a certain amount of weight also help strengthen children's muscle and bone structures. However, backpacks are still one of the most common causes of overload in school-age children. Carrying heavy backpacks can cause difficulties in the developing joint, muscle and ligament structures of school children. It can also open the door to improper gait, poor posture and chronic back pain.”
Check bags at certain intervals
Arıca stated that in order to prevent possible problems in a timely manner, families should periodically check the load in their children's bags and ask if there is any pain in their waist, neck and back, “If symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the hand are observed in addition to pain, it is important for parents to take them seriously and consult a specialist without wasting time.”
Specialist Dr. Emine Bukan Arıca listed the following warnings to families:
“The backpack itself should be light and wheeled. The backpack should not exceed 10-15 percent of the child's weight. The shoulder straps should be wide, double-supported and thick padded, and there should be a waist belt. The straps should always fit snugly over the shoulders and should be adjusted tightly so that they are close to the child's body. Heavy items in the backpack should be distributed evenly on the side facing the back and light items on the side away from the back. The backpack should be checked every day and unneeded items should be removed. To lighten the load, for example, only the relevant parts can be photocopied instead of carrying the whole book. Backpacks should not be carried for long periods of time and should be removed if standing for long periods of time. Talk to the child to get them used to the correct position when carrying a backpack. Children should be advised to tell their parents if they feel any pain or discomfort. The family-school relationship is important. Teachers and parents should talk about the problem of carrying heavy bags.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240907AW282786