Lighten the Load -- and other tips for using your backpack wisely.
Backpacks come in all shapes and sizes, but most, as we're sure you'll agree, have one thing in common. They're heavy.
Lugging around all of that extra weight puts a lot of strain on your back and can cause problems like neck, shoulder and back pain.
The Nemours Foundation suggests taking the following steps to protect yourself.
- Don't wear you backpack over just one shoulder. It can cause you to lean too far over in the opposite direction and can use lower and upper back pain.
- Choose a backpack with wide straps. Narrow straps can interfere with your circulation and cause tingling and numbness in your arms and hands.
- Don't carry more than 10% to 15% of your body weight in your backpack. Use the bathroom scale to get an idea (for example, if you weigh 100 pounds, your backpack should weigh any more than 10 to 15 pounds).
- Use you locker or desk to store your books throughout the day instead of carrying them with you.
- Only take home what you need each night. Avoid carrying unnecessary things in you backpack.
- Be aware of how much space your backpack takes up. You could easily hit others when turning around or moving through tight spaces.
