Back to Schooliosis: How to Keep Your Child Safe with Scoliosis
Pack up the beach toys and bring out the books. It’s time to go back to school and your child is going to a new grade! A new school year means new backpacks, new teachers, and a whole lot of homework. Although we are well aware of how homework affects the stress levels of our children’s brains, we also need to be aware of how homework is affecting the stress on our children’s backs.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association your child’s backpack should never exceed 10-15% of their body weight. However, with long lists of school supplies, and practically non-existent locker availability, your children are often forced to bear more than the suggested amount. This could be extremely damaging, especially in the case of children with scoliosis. It may seem like a difficult issue to remedy, but if you follow these simple steps you are well on your way to providing a safer and more stress-free school experience for your child.
Simple Steps for Backpack Success
- Lighten the load – This seems like the most obvious thing, but you’d be surprised how much your child is carrying in their backpack that they don’t need. Make it easier for your child by helping them get organized and knowing what they need to bring to school ahead of time, so that they are not lugging everything back and forth every day.
- Set an example – You are your child’s greatest role model. You can encourage them to practice healthy posture habits by doing so yourself, and talking to them about it. Good habits start at home!
- Buying the Right Backpack – finding a supportive and comfortable backpack is crucial to ensuring your child’s safety. Here are some things to look for when choosing a new backpack.
- Lightweight – Not all packs are created equal. Compare the weights of various backpacks and try to go for the lightest one to make sure the backpack itself is not adding too much to the load.
- Padding – One of the problems with backpacks is that if they are not properly padded, they can restrict circulation in the shoulder area. Make sure the backpack has two wide padded shoulder straps.
- Multiple Compartments – This is often overlooked as an essential part of a safe backpack. Multiple compartments allow for proper organization of materials, and will more evenly distribute the weight in the pack.
School has just begun – take advantage of this opportunity and make sure you get the right backpack for your child!
Always encourage your child to tell you about any discomfort concerning his backpack and pay attention to any symptoms he or she may be experiencing.
For more information about taking on the school year with scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com.
South Florida Scoliosis Center is the only CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Center in the South Florida area in addition to being one in only 18 worldwide clinics to offer Intensive Care Scoliosis Treatment. South Florida Scoliosis Center draws patients from the entire state as well as from countries abroad.
For information on available treatments for scoliosis, contact us at South Florida Scoliosis Center 305-705-0777, or visit www.southfloridascoliosiscenter.com