First lesson: how to wear the schoolbag

IT is that time of year when schoolbags are on the top of the shopping list, so I was delighted to read your article headlined ‘Overweight schoolbags cause spinal problems’ (Irish Examiner, August 22).

I would like to add to the advice given in the article because following a few simple guidelines can make the world of difference to a child’s spinal health, especially in years to come.

1. Choose a backpack that is proportionate to trunk height (top of shoulders to top of pelvis) and not larger than needed. Ideally, the top of the bag should be positioned high on the back with the end of the bag about two inches below the top of the pelvis. This positioning, together with the use of chest and hip straps, will help shift weight away from the shoulders and spine to the more load-bearing joints of the hips and pelvis.