Keen on Kids: Back to School SafetyWheaton, IL (September 2011) – Summer is drawing to a close and as autumn approaches, the phrase “back to school” creates just as much anxiety for parents as it does for kids. While kids tend to be more worried about making friends and managing homework, parents are often concerned about the safety of their kids both in school and on their journeys there and back. However, school can be a fun and safe experience if you keep a few safety tips in mind. One issue that has come to light, especially in recent years, is backpack safety. To avoid extra locker trips and save time, many students who travel to different classrooms throughout the day tend to carry more books than they need at any one time. This can be taxing on a child’s health: “A backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of a child’s weight,” advises Dr. Mary Keen, Medical Director of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital’s Pediatrics Program. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the proper way to pack a backpack is to put the heaviest items closest to the back and to utilize all of the compartments to help distribute the weight. When choosing a backpack, pick one that has wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back, if possible. Above all, “pack light and always wear both shoulder straps,” says Keen. Improper backpack usage can lead not only to back, shoulder, and neck pain, but it can also pinch nerves, interfere with circulation, and lead to long-lasting posture damage, causing rounded shoulders and a curved upper back, according to kidshealth.org. “Consider a rolling backpack to alleviate back strain, if the school allows it,” Keen suggests. Safety is just as important when traveling to and from school as it is being in school. “You should always use a seatbelt in a car, but remember to use them on a school bus, too, if available,” says Keen. “A seatbelt will help to protect you in the event of an accident, regardless of the size of the vehicle.” As for getting onto a bus, kidshealth.org states that children should stand starting ten feet away from the curb in a line going away from the street, not along it. Make sure to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop, flash the red lights, and open the door before approaching. Walking or biking to school are other options. Before allowing your child to walk alone to school, be sure your child knows the route well and is cautious about traffic, the AAP advises. Parents should make sure the route is safe and that crossing guards are present at busy intersections. Keen also warns “Headphones inhibit a child’s ability to hear traffic, so they are a risky distraction.” Many of the same rules apply for biking. “Biking carries with it a lot of responsibility in order to ensure safety,” says Keen. “Bike helmets are a must, no matter how short the route. Always respect the rules of the road, obey stop lights and stop signs, and travel on the right side of the street, in the same direction as traffic. Use bike paths where available to avoid car traffic. Bright clothing helps motorists see bicyclists, too.” “School should be a rewarding experience for all involved,” says Keen, “ Keeping our kids safe and healthy should be our first priority.” # # # About Marianjoy Medical Group
|
