Right Backpack for Back to School

Among all the school supplies parents will purchase this year, no item is more important than a backpack.  It goes everywhere with the student, needs to accommodate everything from laptops and tablets to books and homework, and must be durable enough to last the entire year.  But not every backpack is a good fit for every student.  Select the wrong one, overfill it or position it the wrong way on the body, and students can experience back pain and long-term back issues.  HealthSource, America's largest group of chiropractic clinics, has developed some tips for parents in selecting a backpack for their child, and will be offering free backpack checks and free scoliosis screening for kids at its clinics across the country.

View HealthSource's tips video:  https://youtu.be/ge5ahkEbE3U

Backpack Tips Size: Small to medium sized backpacks are recommended to minimize how much is carried
Length: Backpacks should hang no more than 4-inches below child's waistline
Weight: Filled should weigh no more than 10-15 % of child's weight
Straps: Wide, adjustable and with sufficient padding
Compartments: Multiple compartments for positioning content more efficiently
Position: Use both straps, hang on mid-level of back (not too low or too high)

Why are all these things important?  First, too much weight will strain the body.  Second, poor positioning will twist the body frame and reduce the leveraging and distribution of weight.  Third, the repetitive action of students wearing backpacks that are too large, or too high or low on the body, day-in and day-out can impact muscles, joints, and bones.  Left unchecked, the spine can be pushed out of alignment and spinal discs can become herniated – issues that impact the student for the rest of his or her life.

The wrong backpack is particularly harmful for students with posture issues and existing spinal conditions such as scoliosis.  For students who have scoliosis but are undiagnosed, the wrong backpack will exacerbate spinal issues.  More than 3 million new cases of scoliosis are reported in the United States every year, with the majority being idiopathic scoliosis, the most common form impacting children.  As part of its Hands on the Community Program, participating HealthSource clinics across the country will be offering free backpack checks and free scoliosis screening for children 18 and under now through September 10, 2018. 

"There's nothing more important as parents than protecting our kids from harm," said Dr. Chris Tomshack, CEO and founder of HealthSource.  "The fact is, a backpack that is too large and too heavy can cause permanent injury to a child, and parents need to step in, even if it means talking to the teacher about reducing the amount of materials the student is required to carry."

Regarding scoliosis, Tomshack encourages parents to make sure their child has been examined.  "It's best to identify before the child has a growth spurt.  In most cases, treatment involves scoliosis massages, stretches and exercise along with scoliosis specific adjustments.  Only 30% of those diagnosed with scoliosis need bracing, and even less – under 10% –  require surgery." 

About HealthSource HealthSource, a national holistic care and chiropractic franchise, treats pain throughout the entire body, sciatica, fibromyalgia and other common concerns, and also focuses on pain prevention and nutrition. The company continually implements new treatments and medical advancements, staying on the cutting edge of medicine. HealthSource began franchising in 2006 and has more than 250 domestic and international locations. For more information about HealthSource, visit www.healthsourcechiro.com.

Contact:  
Kieran McCauley 440-263-3964 
Kieranmccauley54@gmail.com

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SOURCE HealthSource Via Market Insider