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With only a few weeks left until the start of the new school year, stores and markets are already bustling with the sale of school supplies and clothing. One of the most in-demand items during this period is school backpacks. However, when choosing this essential accessory, it is important to consider not only its appearance and price but also a number of other factors that can affect a child’s health. The Ministry of Health has published recommendations on how to choose the right school backpack to avoid the risk of spinal curvature and other posture-related issues in children.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a backpack?
- Size and fit of the backpack. The backpack should be appropriately sized and comfortably fit on the child’s back. It should not hang below the waist, and ideally, the bottom of the backpack should be positioned 5 centimeters above the waistline. This approach ensures proper weight distribution and reduces stress on the spine.
- Wide and soft straps. The straps of the backpack should be sufficiently wide and equipped with soft padding to prevent them from digging into the child’s shoulders. This is especially important to prevent pressure on the shoulders and upper back, which could lead to discomfort and even injuries.
- Waterproof material and firm back panel. The backpack’s material should be waterproof to protect its contents from moisture. The back panel should be firm but not too thin to ensure that hard objects inside, such as the corners of books, do not press against the back and cause pain.
- Even distribution of weight. It is crucial to ensure that the child wears the backpack on both shoulders, not just one. This helps distribute the weight evenly across the body and prevents the development of spinal curvature. Additionally, items inside the backpack should be properly arranged: place heavier items in the center and lighter ones on the sides.
- Optimal weight of the backpack. The total weight of the backpack should not exceed 10-15% of the child’s body weight. For younger students, this equates to approximately 3-5 kilograms, while for middle school students, it should be 6-8 kilograms. Exceeding this limit can place significant strain on the spine and muscles, negatively impacting the child’s health.
Why is it important to choose the right backpack?
An improperly chosen backpack can create additional strain on a schoolchild’s spine and muscles, which can eventually lead to the development of scoliosis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the selection of a school backpack responsibly and to consider the recommendations of specialists.
Conclusion
Following these simple yet important guidelines will help protect your child’s health and prevent posture problems. The Ministry of Health strongly advises parents to pay attention to all aspects of selecting a school backpack to ensure their children’s comfort and safety in the upcoming school year.
The text has been translated by AI. For more accurate information, please refer to the Russian version of the article.
