Literacy in the Library

TOOLS FOR INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME LIFELONG READERS AND LEARNERS

It's School Time!

September/October 2008

School’s here! Yes, it’s here and children are starting school earlier than ever before, many at the age of three. These babies are joining their older siblings in the wonderful journey of school and learning. But along with the wonder and excitement come hidden health risks in the form of backpacks. Local stores and conglomerates throughout the nation are overflowing with back-to-school paraphernalia. Gone are the racks of bathing suits, shorts and camping gear. Instead, there are aisles and aisles full of everything that your child will need to get started on the right path to a successful school year. There are pencils and crayons, notebooks and computers, and of course binders and backpacks. Out of all of these items, the most important purchase you will make for your child this school year is the backpack.

As the first day of school approaches, I find myself worrying once again about my son’s back health. Last year, it was mandatory for him to carry a binder that turned out to be quite heavy. He had to carry this binder every day. In addition, he also had to carry heavy math and science books, gym clothes and his lunch. On several occasions, he complained of back pain. After taking him to our family physician, we discovered that his backpack was just too heavy. But until we can get all school districts to address it, it's important that parents learn as much as they can about this widespread problem. A child who is suffering from back pain will not be able to concentrate and do his best in the classroom. Many children as young as two years of age carry backpacks that are just too big for them!

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) research states that children who carry heavy backpacks suffer from not only poor posture, but also have a risk of injury to their spines. At its 50th Annual Meeting, it was stated that nearly 25 percent of children carry backpacks weighing more than 20 percent of their body weight. It was also reported that in 2001 nearly 6,000 children were seen in emergency rooms due to heavy backpacks. The web site contains information that can help parents become aware of the importance of selecting a backpack that is back-friendly.

The American Chiropractic Association offers the following tips:

A child's backpack should weigh not more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight.
Do not let the backpack hang more than four inches below the waistline.
Try to make your child agree to wear both shoulder straps.
It’s important to choose backpacks with wide and padded straps.
Straps should be adjustable so they fit your child’s body.

The following web sites are full of advice to help you choose the correct backpack for your child:

Don’t forget your Denver Public Library is full of books and resources to help you keep your child healthy. A healthy child is better equipped for school success!

The Denver Public Library also has other resources and activities to help your child during the school year. Visit our Kids' web site for homework help, library events, and story time hours. Don’t forget Phone-a-story where you can listen to stories in English and in Spanish read by local library staff. Call 720-865-8500 and listen to new stories every week!

By Emilia Valerio, Read Aloud Educational Program Assistant, the Denver Public Library

Literacy in the Library

It's School Time!

September/October 2008

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