National School Backpack Awareness Presentation for 6th graders

 

source: https://nationaltoday.com/national-school-backpack-awareness-day/#:~:text=U.S.,injury%2C%20which%20can%20impact%20learning

The Wellness Department was fortunate to have the expertise of Dr. Bradley Weiss & Dr. Annette Ghelfi of Performance Health Center in Natick present to our 6th grade classes this past week in honor of National School Backpack Awareness Day. 

Here is a message from Dr. Thomas Ball of Performance Health Center about the backpack safety & injury prevention presentation:

We are honored to take the time to educate parents, students, educators and school administrators, and communities about the serious health effects that backpacks that are too heavy or worn improperly have on children.  More than 79 million students in the United States carry school backpacks.

 • More than 2,000 backpack-related injuries were treated at hospital emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, and clinics in 2007.

 • It is recommended that a loaded backpack should weigh approximately 10% of the student’s total body weight.

 • About 55% of students carry a backpack that is heavier than the recommended guideline of 10% of the student’s total body weight.

 • In one study with American students ages 11 to 15 years, 64% reported back pain related to heavy backpacks. Twenty one percent reported the pain lasting more than 6 months.

 • In a study on the effect of backpack education on student behavior and health, nearly 8 out of 10 middle school students who changed how they loaded and wore their backpacks reported less pain and strain in their backs, necks, and shoulders.

We also discussed "Text Neck" and how too much time spent looking down at your phone can cause damage to the cervical vertebrae.  Finally, we showed students how to properly wear and pack their bags to maximize comfort and reduce pain. 

As always you can contact me with any questions at Performance Health Center.  

The Wellness Department is very thankful for our continued collaboration with Performance Health Center. 

Yours in Health,