School is around the corner - watch that backpack!

It's that time again! (Photo by Penny Mathews.)

If you're from the era when books were carried under your arm, you may not realize what kind of a load the kids are carrying these days. Educators and physicians are trying to get the word out about the dangers:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said that in 2003 there were more than 21,000 backpack-related injuries treated at emergency rooms, doctor's offices and clinics, with approximately half of these being children under the age of 18, according to a press release from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This number does include traumatic injuries related to tripping or falling over a backpack.

Moore said that musculature strain and headaches are some of the effects that can occur from improper backpack usage.

Sherry Shumaker, sophomore assistant principal at Cabell Midland High School, said students experiencing pain from backpacks is a common issue at the school.

"(They) complain all the time," Shumaker said. "Kids really need to learn how to use them properly."

Shumaker worked as the ninth grade principal last year and said there were numerous calls from parents who had to take their child to the doctor or chiropractor for back pain.

The National Safety Council says warning signs of backpacks being too heavy include change in posture when wearing the backpack, having to struggle to get the backpack on, tingling or numbness, pain when wearing the backpack and red marks on the skin.

Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics on backpack safety:

Choosing the right backpack:

Look for the following:

*Wide, padded shoulder straps - Narrow straps can dig into shoulders. This can cause pain and restrict circulation.

*Padded back - A padded back protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack and increases comfort.

To prevent injury when using a backpack, do the following:

* Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student's body weight.

* Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. Wearing a backpack on one shoulder may increase curvature of the spine.

* Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.

* Use a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried upstairs. And they may be difficult to roll in snow.

For additional information, visit: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/backpack_safety.PDF