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3 Back-to-School Backpack Do’s and Don’ts

August 21, 2019 | Tips & Trends
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Backpack Safety Tips, backpack on desk with stack of schoolbooks

Whether our kids want to believe it or not, a new school year is right around the corner and before we know it, they’ll be packing their backpacks with school supplies and books.

Did you know that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child should carry no more than 10 to 20 percent of their body weight in their backpack?

If you’re concerned about the adverse effects a heavy backpack can have on your child’s back and body, we’re offering you some helpful do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when choosing the right bag and teaching your child how to properly pack and use theirs.

Do…

  • Find a backpack that’s made with lightweight, durable, and water-resistant material. Remember, a wet bag will add more weight and strain to your child’s back.
  • Look for a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps as well as padding along the back. This added layer of support helps avoid discomfort.
  • Find a backpack that has multiple compartments throughout the bag to help evenly distribute weight.
  • Take the time to get rid of any unnecessary items that accumulate to reduce the weight of your child’s backpack.
  • Be mindful when going to pick up your backpack.  Some may tend to quickly reach down and quickly grab and lift their bags, and while this may be fine for some, this may aggravate back pain in others.  If your child feels that their backpack is fairly heavy, it may be worthwhile to discuss changing their lifting mechanics with your Phoenix Physical Therapist.

Don’t…

  • Carry too much at one time. Sometimes our kid’s backpack feels as if they’re hauling an anvil. Encourage them to take time to carefully pack their backpacks with only the items they need.
  • Use only one strap when carrying their backpack. Instead, encourage your child to use both straps because shifting the weight of the backpack to one side of the body can add undue stress to their back.
  • Wear the backpack as is. Take the time to adjust and tighten the shoulder straps so that the backpack is snug to your child’s back.

This year, while back-to-school shopping, be sure to keep these do’s and don’ts in mind when helping your child pick out their new backpack. If as the school year progresses, your child experiences back pain, contact a Phoenix Physical Therapy location near you and schedule an appointment.

The entire Phoenix Physical Therapy Team is committed to providing our patients with quality physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in a safe and healthy clinic environment. We continue to follow the guidance provided by the CDC, WHO and public health officials to update you as new information becomes available. Let’s work together to keep each other safe and healthy.

The safety of our patients, communities and team members remains our top priority. We know you have a choice in your care providers and appreciate your commitment to Phoenix and our qualified clinicians.

Here are the actions we have taken to keep our patients, communities and team healthy & safe:

  • Flexible scheduling allows for social distancing
  • Regular cleaning and sanitation of all clinic surfaces
  • Facemasks must be worn by all Phoenix staff and are recommended for all patients
  • Screening questionnaire and temperature checks prior to entering clinics
  • 6 feet of social distancing throughout the clinics

Keeping Our Clinics Safe

Here are some tips on how we can keep each other safe:

  • Handwashing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. When soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or are experiencing shortness of breath. If a patient shows up with symptoms, the clinic team will work with them to reschedule.
  • Be vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance from the CDC website and our Travel Guidelines.

Here are actions we are taking to keep our clinics clean and safe:

  • Equipment will be wiped down after EVERY use with antibacterial wipes/sprays
  • All surfaces that patients or staff may touch including door handles, countertops, seating, pens at sign-in, bathroom and all other common areas will be disinfected regularly
  • Treatment tables will be 6 feet apart
  • Team members will wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezin
  • Clinics will have hand sanitizer available at the front desk and in the treatment areas
  • Any Phoenix team members who are ill will be asked to stay home
  • We will maintain social distancing between patients in the clinic
  • Caregivers that are bringing a patient to the clinic should wait in their car or come back when the appointment has ended unless necessary (i.e. minor requiring a guardian or for assistance needs)
  • When possible, we will treat patients in private rooms to increase social distancing
  • Any patients that have underlying health issues (i.e. diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.) will be given the option to be seen during special clinic hours or can opt to be treated in a private room away from other clinicians and patients
  • All patients should be self-screening before entering the clinic. Our PCCs will perform a secondary screening during the check-in process and before patients enter the clinic including a screening questionnaire and temperature check.
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