Take a load off!

The MacDuffie School learned the importance of backpack safety in The Little Theater yesterday during a demonstration headed by athletic trainer Kevin Konstant.

When used correctly, a backpack is a practical way to organize school supplies and leave hands free as students travel between classes. With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, backpacks are also a fashionable way to display one’s sense of style or showcase school pride!

However, many students overfill their backpacks or wear them incorrectly, which can lead to problems like back pain down the road. Konstant stressed the need for students to lighten their load and to wear their backpacks properly to lessen the risk of back pain or injury.

A properly worn backpack exceeds no more than 10 percent of a students’ bodyweight. A good backpack for daily use has wide, padded shoulder straps and individualized compartments to help position content efficiently. Heavier items like books should be placed closest to the students’ back while lighter, smaller items may be stowed in outside compartments.

In addition to total weight and distribution, students should be mindful of they wear their bags. Always utilize both shoulder straps and employ additional chest straps, if available.  Never wear a backpack more than four inches below the waistline, which affects proper carrying posture.

At The MacDuffie School, we encourage our students to be mindful of how much they carry throughout the day and visit their lockers frequently to store unnecessary textbooks.