The Most Important ‘Back to School’ Item You’ll Buy is the Backpack

Forget the pens, the sneakers, or other school supply items. The most important 'Back to School' product you will purchase for your child this year is their backpack. Not many parents think about this, but choosing the right book bag is the key to keeping your developing child healthy.

We sat down with Dr. Jon Blando of Blando Chiropractic. His practice is located at 3805 Oneida Street in New Hartford, and he went over with us all you need to know about buying the proper bag for your child ahead of the school year. He highlighted three important things to remember when selecting the right backpack, adjusting it to your child, and how to properly load it.

1. Choosing the Right Size: If your child is going into first grade, you do not want to buy them a bag that is meant for a high school student. Bags come in all different shapes and sizes. If you pick one that's too big, then it may lead to major long-term problems.
2. Properly Adjusting Bag Straps: One of the most important things to remember about your child's book bag is that it is properly adjusted to fit your child. Ideally the straps should be tightened so that the bottom of the bag is just above the tailbone, and is not able to move loosely side-to-side. This will also cause back pain.
3. Loading the Books Appropriately: Ideally you want to make sure that you organize your kid's textbooks, or notebooks from largest to smallest. You want the biggest, heaviest book loaded first so that it is the closest to your child's back. The lightest book should go in last. This will prevent a heavy book from putting too much strain on the student's back.

These are all things that Dr. Blando explains in the video above. Don't overlook these safety necessities. Remember, the younger your child is, the more they still have to develop. Make sure the most important bone in the body, the spine, is taken care of. If you want more information on this, and other spinal-related questions you can attend Dr. Blando's 'Patient Appreciation Day' on Thursday, September 1st, 2016. He will be giving free adjustments to people of all ages. There are also free shirts, and other great prize giveaways as well. For more details you can call Blando Chiropractic at (315) 765-0478.

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