T.J. Samson | Destination Health | August 2018

6 DESTINATION HEALTH Healthy families Backpack safety Pointers for parents Need a pediatrician for your child? Call 270-651-1111 to make an appointment. When kids head off to classes, their backpacks are right behind them. Talk about essential school gear. But overloaded or incorrectly used back- packs can put kids at risk of back, neck and shoulder pain, and posture problems. Here are a few things experts suggest that parents can do to help kids avoid such injuries: CHOOSING A BACKPACK Look for one with two wide, padded straps, a soft padded back and a waist strap.The waist strap helps distribute the weight of books and supplies more evenly. The pack should be made of lightweight materials. Also, consider buying a rolling backpack. (It’s like a smaller version of a rolling suitcase.) USING A BACKPACK Remind your child to: ●  ● Use both shoulder straps. Wearing a backpack over one shoulder ups your child’s risk of injury. ●  ● Tighten the straps. This keeps the load closer to the back, where it ought to be. ●  ● Take care not to overload the pack. Leave any books that aren’t needed that day at home. A loaded backpack should not exceed 10 to 20 percent of your child’s total body weight. For instance, that’s 10 to 20 pounds, for a 100-pound kiddo. ●  ● Pack carefully. Put heavier objects low and closer to the center of the backpack. ●  ● In between classes, drop off some books or other supplies at the school locker, if possible. Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American Academy of Pediatrics Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Office on Women’s Health So many good reasons why… Choosing to breastfeed We’re here to help. If you have questions after you go home, our certified lactation consultants are just a phone call away: 270-651-4105 . ●  ● Helps women heal after childbirth. ●  ● May lower health risks in mothers, including for type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer and certain types of breast cancer. ●  ● Releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin, which can have a calming effect for moms. ●  ● Is easier for babies to digest. ●  ● Adjusts to meet a baby’s changing nutrition needs. ●  ● Saves families money and time. ●  ● Provides antibodies that protect infants from illness. ●  ● Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). ●  ● Lowers health risks in childhood and beyond, including for asthma, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Benefits for moms: Benefits for babies: Breast milk: