Health Tip: Packing a Backpack

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(HealthDay News) -- Kids already assume a heavy burden when they return to school in the fall, so don't make it worse with a heavy backpack.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions to help reduce your child's chances of pain and injury:

• Make sure your child's pack has a padded back and wide shoulder straps with padding.
• Use the compartments inside the backpack to make sure it's well-organized, with the heaviest items toward the back.
• Avoid overloading the pack. Don't exceed more than 20 percent of your child's body weight.
• Make sure your child always uses both shoulder straps.
• If your child must carry a lot of heavy books, see if the school allows a rolling backpack.

-- Diana Kohnle

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