This important information comes from my friend, Dr. Ben Kim:
With today being the first day of school for many children around the world, I just wanted to remind all of you parents out there to have your children develop the habit of wearing their backpacks evenly over both shoulders.I don't know about you, but during my 24 years as an English teacher I used to swing my backpack over one shoulder and then trudge around like I was cool or something.
This habit will help to prevent the development of a spinal curve from the uneven distribution of weight caused by slinging a backpack over just one shoulder. Young children in particular are susceptible to developing permanent curves because their growing spines are quite malleable.
Not only will the habit of carrying a backpack over both shoulders help to prevent a curved spine, it will also promote good muscle development and balance throughout the shoulders, trunk, and legs.
By the way, adults who use backpacks can also benefit from this advice. Even though the typical spine is completely done growing by the age of 25, carrying a backpack evenly over both shoulders can help prevent the development of muscular imbalances in the upper back and trunk that can lead to chronic aches and pains, including headaches.
Luckily, I didn't have that much weight to carry in my backpack to school, so I managed to avoid any of the potential problems Dr. Kim mentions above.
Anyway, if your kid lugs a backpack to school, be sure to share Dr. Kim's advice.
Chet Day
Editor, The Health Circus
http://chetday.com
P.S. Speaking of backpacks, you'll want a copy of Dr. Ben Kim's wonderful 85-page Eight Essential Strategies for Academic Success. This is a study guide that every student can use to improve learning and grades. Click here for details.
