HEALTH

A PAIN IN THE NECK!

According to the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, secondary students, particularly those in the junior years, carry too much to and from school. The bag weight to body weight ratio is likely to be high as some students are still quite small but carry loads similar to larger and older children.

The findings of many studies are now confirming that there is a definite link between carrying heavy school bags and long term back and neck pain. A general guideline is 10% of body weight is the most that should be carried, by anyone, but the majority of us tend to carry closer to 15%.

If we distribute the weight of our bags correctly, we can decrease the damage done to our bodies.

FACT - Backpacks, rather than traditional school bags or sports bags with handles, allow the load to be carried more evenly over both shoulders.

FACT - Most students choose to ‘sling’ their backpack over one shoulder instead of wearing it properly. The backpack should be worn with straps tight on both shoulders so that the bag stays close to the body. The bag should not hang more than 4cm below the waistline and the waist/hip strap should be used to reduce strain on the back.

When packing the backpack, place the heaviest items closest to the body and make sure anything pointy or awkwardly shaped isn’t digging into the back.

Empty out the bag on a weekly basis to ensure that unnecessary items are not being carried.

If the subject has an ‘e-book’ then it is possible to load a copy onto the chromebook and leave the non-electronic text at home.

Plan ahead. This may mean that a textbook can be taken to or from school the day before required and this is useful if the load is lighter than usual.

This is not the first time that I have written about this topic, however I believe it is important that it is revisited. Carrying heavy loads frequently can cause long term health issues.

Susan Wilken

Health Learning Area Manager