"Pack it Light, Wear it Right", the American Occupational Therapy Association says. The AOTA named today National Backpack Awareness Day to help students avoid serious injuries, including aching back and shoulders, weakened muscles, tingling arms and stooped posture. However, students across the nation continue to sacrifice safety for style when it comes to the way they carry their books.
So, what is the proper way to wear a backpack, and exactly how much weight should one transport through the hustle and bustle of the halls? The most important rule the AOTA stresses is that no more than 15 percent of a child's bodyweight be carried at any time. This is recommended because a heavier load causing some to lean forward can cause lower back pain and, in some cases, visits to the emergency room. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) reported more than 7,000 emergency room trips courtesy of injuries associated with backpack and bookbag usage. To top it off, about half of those injuries occurred in children between the ages of 5 and 14, according to the NEISS.
Like most of the general public, Susan Taylor, the parent of a Burris Laboratory School first grade student, has never heard of National School Backpack Awareness Day and was unaware of the weight recommendations established by the AOTA. However, her son, Riley, has never experienced any problems related to the weight of his backpack because he already has a tendency to "Pack it Light."
"The only big weight is his lunch bag with a thermos, but he hardly takes home a lot of books," Taylor said. "We walk every day, and I'm sure it's something to consider for the future."
One of the options Taylor and other consumers have to consider is the BackTpack, an ergonomic backpack designed by physical therapist Marilyn Miller von Foerster. The BackTpack provides storage room under each arm for a more balanced and straight carrying posture while walking. It accommodates people from 4'0" to 6'3, costs $65 to $85 depending on the size and style and was endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association in 2007.
Although the BackTpack is one solution to back and posture problems plaguing students, many fear its appearance takes away from the advantages it might provide, and leaves students to lean (no pun intended) toward more trendy and traditional options.
"I think it's more about looks (like the) over-the-shoulder style," Muncie Central High School nurse Trudy Anderson said.
Anderson has only been on the Muncie Central staff for two years but witnessed parents switching their children to rolling backpacks in the elementary system where she worked for 16 years previously.
"We do have concerns because of the size of our textbooks," Anderson said.
Negative opinions about the BackTpack when presented a photograph and explanation of its use were ubiquitous from students of all ages.
Burris students Amelia Johnson and Kevin Reeves were turned off by the idea of trading in their backpack and messenger bags for the BackTpack.
"It sounds really ugly," Johnson said.
So, how can you be fashion-fabulous while still keeping it safe?
Ball State University senior Max Kepler's neon-crested North Face backpack turns eyes around campus daily while providing comfort and sufficient room for school necessities.
"I'm not sure I would trade the backpack for anything, but I do like the idea of not leaning forward when walking places," Kepler said. "Although, there are clasps at the top and the bottom of my pack that help with the stability."
Kepler's bag was a limited release by The North Face and was only made available in Chicago and Tokyo.
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