Ah, summer. That means no jam-packed backpacks in my house. No lunches stuffed into packs with all the other gear necessary for school. No bags sent home overflowing with folders and papers and all sorts of things, like library books, we try so hard not to lose. Nope, my kids' backpacks are sitting on a shelf in our laundry room in all of their sedentary glory. Before long, though -- about six weeks here in my city -- school will begin again, which means the backpacks will be out in full force.

Don't pack them until they're heavy, says the U.S. National Safety Council. Loaded backpacks can strain young backs and shoulders, causing pain and injury. Instead, check your child's bag each day and remove any items that aren't needed -- that would be rocks for my guys who like to collect and store them in hidden compartments. Also, make sure your kids use both straps to distribute the load evenly. Not sure you're doing everything the right way? Here are five warning signs your kids' packs are too heavy.

• A difference in posture when wearing the backpack.
• Significant difficulty in putting the backpack on or taking it off.
• Complaints of pain or discomfort when the backpack is on.
• Red marks on the skin from the backpack straps.
• Feelings of numbness or a tingling sensation, especially in the back or shoulders.

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For most school is back in full swing, and as the first few days and weeks are past homework is starting to pile on in that nasty way it always does. I remember when I was a kid in school I used to wish my backpack had wheels on it like airline luggage, and although today some of them actually do many kids still use the traditional on-the-back backpack. And last year there were 7,300 injuries reported in U.S. emergency rooms due to backpacks that were overstuffed.

It's recommended that kids carry no more than 15% of their body weight, which isn't that much when you start piling on history and algebra books. Sometimes they even end up so packed with stuff they won't even zip shut! If your child has red marks from the backpack's straps, struggles to put the bag on or take it off, or of course is actually complaining of pain then the bag is too heavy. Consider getting them a bag that is proportionately sized to your child, has well-padded shoulder straps, and possibly even wheels if that makes sense. Some parents have even requested a second set of textbooks so it isn't necessary to tote them to and from school -- smart idea!


Via FitSugar

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It seems like summer just got started, yet already we're starting to hear echoes and whispers of "back to school." Of course back to school is the biggest season for the backpack industry, but year round people who have active outdoor lifestyles find themselves in need of a sturdy and comfortable way to carry stuff around. But unfortunately all too often backpacks are responsible for back, shoulder, and neck pain when they get overstuffed and all their design flaws become painfully obvious.

So this year before you go shopping check out these 4 ergonomically designed backpacks suggested by Natural Health -- ranging in price from $10 to $90 there's something for every taste and budget.

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