CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE
Presented by the TexCare Partnership
60 Second Radio Feature   MP3

"Kids and Backpacks: Beware!”
FOR AIR WEEK OF August 18, 2003

Are heavy backpacks injuring little bodies?

Hi, I'm Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children's Health Minute, presented by this station and TexCare -- connecting Texas families with children's health insurance for 18 dollars a month or less.

Experts say you shouldn't carry more than twenty percent of your body weight, however, middle school students routinely carry 30 to 50 percent of their weight. Most kids won't have long term problems from the burden, but if your child has a pre-existing back problem, such as a bad muscle pull, carrying the heavy load could prolong the recovery period.

To be safe, children should wear backpacks with two straps, one over each shoulder, rather than just one. Single straps may put stress on muscles and soft tissue, causing back pain or stress.

Keep your kids healthy. Call TexCare at 1-800-647-6558 to apply or when it's time to renew your children's health care coverage. That's 1-800-647-6558.