To enjoy customized local content, please enter your ZIP Code below. <  Previous ArticleThe wrong kind of red head: Non-greasy sun protection for your scalp Next Article   >5 strategies for women to win at aging 6 weird chocolate pairings that will seduce your taste buds 13 must-have ornaments to brighten up your holidays ‘Like’ Clearasil and enter to win a Lollapalooza guitar signed by John Legend, LeAnn Rimes, Taylor Momsen and more Get your ride ready for tailgating seasonHere are a few sobering statistics: according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, 14,424 Americans sought medical treatment for backpack injuries last year. The cost—in estimated lifetime medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal liability—was a staggering $299 million. Among those injured were 5,062 US children under the age of 19. As college students head to stores to purchase back-to-school supplies, BU Today spoke with nationally recognized backpack safety expert Karen Jacobs (SAR’79), a Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences clinical professor, about how to prevent injuries.

The number-one rule of thumb? Select the backpack that best fits you and don’t overload it. Jacobs: More than 79 million students across the United States cram in textbooks, binders, notebook computers, pencils, pens, erasers, craft supplies, lunches, and extra clothes for gym class and make the trek to school. Researchers have reported seeing backpacks that weigh more than 40 percent of a child’s weight. Just imagine a child weighing 60 pounds carrying a backpack weighing 24 pounds. The good news is that with some easy behavior changes, this health issue can be eliminated. Research suggests that wearing a backpack incorrectly, wearing one that is too heavy, the amount of time one carries a backpack, the distance walked, inadequate distribution of weight in the backpack, and poor placement of items in the backpack can be contributing risk factors for discomfort, fatigue, muscle soreness, musculoskeletal pain (especially in the lower back), respiratory problems, and other issues.

The American Occupational Therapy Association offers some tips for preventing these issues. You should always choose a backpack that is the right size for you. Make sure the height of the backpack extends from approximately two inches below the shoulder blades to waist level, or slightly above the waist. The proper backpack should have padded shoulder straps, a padded back, chest and hip straps, a reflector, and for older students, a compartment on the side of the bag. pft laptop backpackIt’s important to remember when choosing a backpack for children that the one they used the year before may no longer be the right size.vfs backpack It is a safety issue when a name is on a backpack. vera bradley laptop backpack in canyon

For example, a stranger could approach a child and call him or her by name if it appears on the backpack. It’s best to be proactive and avoid putting a child’s name on a backpack. I highly recommend that once you decide what you’ll be using your backpack for and know what size and features you want, it’s best to try on a backpack before buying it to guarantee you’re getting the best fit. Once you have tried on backpacks to find a good match, you can order one online if it’s the same design or has the same dimensions.xtorm backpack pro Backpacks are made from a variety of fabrics that have an impact on the weight, durability, and strength of the pack. 82l backpackI like a nylon packcloth or Cordura, a nylon canvas. backpack limit borderlands

Try to avoid backpacks that are made of heavy material such as leather. If a person is complaining of neck, shoulder, or back discomfort associated with wearing a backpack, it can be a sign that there is a problem. If you show signs of any of these symptoms, it’s best to see if the weight of the backpack can be reduced, the amount of time wearing the backpack can be reduced, or the distance carrying the backpack can be reduced. rezo backpackConsider using a wheeled backpack. I do almost every day during the academic year. Find more tips on how to navigate college life in our Campus Life 101 series. Sargent College entry-level occupational therapy doctoral students and Sargent’s Rotaract Club members will host Backpack Awareness Day on Tuesday, September 27, from 5 to 6 p.m., for BU students, faculty, and staff, in front of Sargent College, 635 Commonwealth Ave. Backpacks will be weighed and organizers will demonstrate the correct ways to pack and wear them.

I travel 365 days a year and live out of one backpack. Here is my travel gear setup. Briefcases & Laptop Bags Duffels & Sports Bags Luggage Tags & Luggage Covers Leather Bags & Luggage Anti-Theft Bags & Security Pouches Camping & Outdoor Gear To create an account, enter your email address as your user name and enter a password. items per page: 9 items per page: 12 items per page: 18 items per page: 24 Dakine Prom 25L Laptop Backpack Mineral Blue The Dakine Prom 25L Laptop Backpack in Mineral Blue is all about going back to school in style. Since the only accessory you use in every single day... Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 85 Regular Torso Backpack Blue/Moonmist The largest model in the Nimbus family, this load gobbling pack will carry all you need for long trips, or hold the gear needed for tackling the big... Osgoode Marley Leather Teardrop Multi Zip Backpack Brandy Make a stylish statement with the Osgoode Marley Teardrop Multi Zip Backpack in Brandy! 

Completely carefree convenience for carrying iPad and... Osgoode Marley Leather Teardrop Multi Zip Backpack Plum Make a stylish statement with the Osgoode Marley Teardrop Multi Zip Backpack in Plum!  Osgoode Marley Leather Teardrop Multi Zip Backpack Raisin Make a stylish statement with the Osgoode Marley Teardrop Multi Zip Backpack in Raisin!  Osgoode Marley Cashmere Small Organizer Backpack Brandy Keep your everyday or excursion essentials stylishly stowed and neatly organized in the Osgoode Marley Cashmere Small Organizer Backpack in Brandy!... Osgoode Marley Cashmere Small Organizer Backpack Garnet Keep your everyday or excursion essentials stylishly stowed and neatly organized in the Osgoode Marley Cashmere Small Organizer Backpack in Garnet!... Osgoode Marley Cashmere Small Organizer Backpack Raisin Keep your everyday or excursion essentials stylishly stowed and neatly organized in the Osgoode Marley Cashmere Small Organizer Backpack in Raisin!...

Travelon Foldable Portable Backpack Black When you dont need a full size backpack now you can pack light with the Packable Backpack. This backpack folds into pocket for packing and storage... Osgoode Marley Creel Backpack Brandy Backpacking has never looked so good! The Osgoode Marley Creel Backpack in Brandy is an attractive and versatile backpack that can do it all. Dakine Darby 25L Canvas Backpack Knit Floral Natural Go back to school in affordable style with the Dakine Darby 25L Canvas Backpack! This cute, and fully functional backpack will turn heads as you... Osgoode Marley Leather Cashmere Large Organizer Backpack Raisin Keep your everyday essentials stylishly stowed in the Osgoode Marley Cashmere Large Organizer Backpack in Raisin!  This soft, smooth, supple,... Pacsafe Citysafe LS300 Anti-theft Backpack Black All of your belongings will be safe in this black anti-theft backpack! Keep your 11 inch MacBook and valuables secure with this lightweight,...

Pacsafe Citysafe LS300 Anti-theft Backpack Rosemary All of your belongings will be safe in this rosemary anti-theft backpack! Andiamo Avanti Collection Business Backpack Midnight Black Andiamo represents the finest quality in travel and business backpacks. Constructed with 100 percent premium duramax nylon with leather trim and... Andiamo Avanti Collection Convertible Metro Pack Midnight Black The Andiamo Avanti Convertible Metro Pack is constructed with the finest quality Duramax ballistic nylon. The zippered compartment opens to make one... Pacsafe Camsafe Z16 Camera and 13" Laptop Backpack Charcoal The Pacsafe Camsafe Charcoal Z16 Camera and 13" Laptop Backpack will keep your belongings safe and secure! The avid photographer and man about town... Pacsafe Camsafe Z16 Camera and 13" Laptop Backpack Slate Green The Pacsafe Camsafe Slate Green Z16 Camera and 13" Laptop Backpack will keep your belongings safe and secure! The avid photographer and man about...

Pacsafe Camsafe Z25 Camera and 15" Laptop Backpack Charcoal The Charcoal Camsafe Z25 is the quintessential backpack for photography professionals and avid enthusiasts alike. Not only does it adapt to your... Pacsafe Camsafe Z25 Camera and 15" Laptop Backpack Slate Green The Slate Green Camsafe Z25 is the quintessential backpack for photography professionals and avid enthusiasts alike. Travelon Foldable Portable Backpack Aqua IVAR Zug 30 Lightweight Backpack Blue Light Weight + Capacity Backpack! The IVAR Zug 30 Backpack is a light weight IVAR bag. Very simplified, it is made of high quality 420D nylon... IVAR Revel G2 University Commuter Backpack Black The popular IVAR Revel G2 University Commuter backpack in Black is characterized by a sporty/university style, with a large front mesh pouch. IVAR Revel G2 University Commuter Backpack Blue The popular IVAR Revel G2 University Commuter backpack in Blue is characterized by a sporty/university style, with a large front mesh pouch.