It’s back to school time, and Chris Wood, a physical therapist at Good Samaritan Hospital, has some tips for backpack safety.

“Backpacks – when used correctly – are better than shoulder bags or purses because the back and stomach muscles support the weight which allows for even distribution across the child’s body,” he said in a statement. “If used incorrectly, however, backpacks can cause students to have numbness, tingling and pain.”

Here are the tips, which he says also come recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics:

+Make sure the backpack is no more than 15 percent of the student’s body weight. If the students has to lean forward to carry the load, it’s too heavy.

+The backpack should be place evenly over the shoulder blades, and not slung over one shoulder.

+Ensure the pack has loose straps because those that are too tight can interfere with circulation and nerves.

+Look for a pack that is made of lightweight fabric such as canvas, and not leather.

+Other good features to look for include multiple compartments and a waist belt for even distribution and a padded back.

Perhaps the nurses at Franklin Square Hospital will pass this information along with the backpacks and school supplies it plans to pass onto 565 students at Hawthorne Elementary School this Thursday. It’s an annual event to provide the packs. The nurses have provided packs to other schools in past years.

Are there others passing out packs for kids?

Patuxent Publishing photo