From August 19 through November 8, the Ortho Walk-In Clinic will see patients by appointment only. Questions? Please call 814-467-3628.
By Lisa Valko, OTR/L, ITOT, BCTS
Occupational Therapist
In this time of uncertainty, we are trying to prepare for the potential return to our brick and mortar schools. There are so many questions about returning to school that we face in normal years, but this year is certainly a bit different.
As I prepare to send my kids back to school each year, including this one, a big challenge is the BACKPACK. Kids often want the name brand backpacks or the ones that all of their friends have, but being an occupational therapist I want my kids to have the correct size and the right fit for them. “There is a right size and fit to a backpack?” YES there is!
The weight and height of the backpack affects our children’s back health. The way they wear it also can affect the load on their spine and surrounding muscles. The American Occupational Therapy Association offers several recommendations for selecting a backpack:
As we know, there are many types and brands of backpacks. Some manufacturers size back packs according to age, like L.L. Bean and Land’s End. The most important aspect of buying the backpack is the size and fit. We, as parents, don’t want to have to fight with our kids about a back pack, especially when they have found “the perfect” one. Be sure to they try it on and that it “fits.”
Our children face many challenges every day in school. If we can keep their backs healthy and keep them happy too, it is one less challenge they will have to face.
Does your child need help strengthening their ability to perform daily activities at home, in school, and socially? CSSMCW’s Pediatric Occupational Therapy may be able to help. Contact our experienced therapists by calling 814-467-3189.