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Just about the time your child enters middle school, his or her backpack burden starts to grow. Laden with everything from textbooks to sports gear to cell phones and laptops, kids' backpacks get weighed down with some of their most prized possessions.
But do overloaded backpacks carry serious health risks? Experts give WebMD a lesson in kids' backpacks, covering their effect on your child's muscles and bones, the right backpack to look for when the new school year is about to begin and how to pack and wear it to reduce pain and maximize comfort.
Kids' Backpacks 101
Which backpacks are safest for kids? Plus, how to wear backpacks to avoid aches and pains.
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As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
SOURCES: William Hennrikus, MD, chairman, American Academy of Pediatrics, orthopaedic section; pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Children's Hospital, Madera, California. Lori Karol, MD, spokesperson, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas.
Reviewed on August 03, 2007 by Louise Chang, MD.
© 2007 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
