Transcript

Voice- The Bodyshop with Jennifer Black and Dr. Steve is brought to you by Allegheny Chesapeake Physical Therapy.

Jennifer Black - Good evening, welcome to The Body Shop, Tonight we will talk about how to use a back pack without hurting your back. Is this really a problem?

Dr. Steve - Jennifer 7000 ER visits in 2001 were related to wearing back packs and more then half of those were children ages 5 -14. This is only getting worse.

The problem has several components. Weight is one problem; your Childs back pack for school should not weight more then 15% of their body weight. How the weight is distributed is another problem, always put the heaviest items against the back the lighter books toward the outside of the pack.

Another problem is the pack itself and how it is fit to the child. The shoulder straps should be padded; it should be snug, adjust the straps so it is close to the back and close the lower curve of the spine. Children won't know what is wrong, the parents have to take the lead in making sure the back pack fits and is loaded correctly.

If anyone has any questions on fit prior to school or when school starts feel free to drop into any Allegheny Chesapeake office and they will help adjust it to make it fit for free.

Jennifer Black - Thank you Dr. Steve. If you want more information Contact Dr. Steve at 1-800-332-5740 or www.AlleghanyChesapeake.com