Lifestyle

How To Help Your Child Avoid Back Pain With A Backpack

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2022

Most children use backpacks for school. However, they can cause back pain and problems if certain guidelines aren’t followed. Remember the tips mentioned here so your child is comfortable throughout the day!

Look For Features That Reduce Back Pain

There aren’t a lot of studies that agree on the features that backpacks should have to reduce back pain. But parents can look for the following backpack features to ensure that the product won’t hurt the child’s back:

The material used for the backpack should be canvas, which is the lightest material.
The back should be well padded so it sits comfortably on the child’s back.
There should be several small compartments inside so everything stays organized.
New backpacks often have wheels and a retractable handle so the backpack can be wheeled around.
If your child has a laptop, consider using a separate bag so they don’t need to have too much weight on their back.

Teach Child How To Wear And Load

Buying a backpack with the proper features will usually help the child avoid problems. But wearing and loading the backpack correctly ensures they will stay comfortable. Some tips include:

The child should use both straps and wear it on their back, not slung on one shoulder. Putting too much weight on a single shoulder can lead to discomfort and pain over time.
Put the heaviest items in the bottom of the backpack so the weight is distributed evenly.
Make sure the straps are snug on the child’s back so the load doesn’t move around as they walk.
The child should lift the pack with their legs. Bending over to pick it up can injure the back.

When Is The Backpack Too Heavy?

Even if you choose an ideal backpack for your child, there comes a time when the bag may be too heavy. Some doctors recommend limiting the weight of the pack to 10% of their body weight.

If the child weighs 100 pounds, they shouldn’t carry more than 10 pounds. Of course, these rules are often ignored by parents and students. But students who carry the heaviest backpacks are often the ones who complain of back pain.

Here’s a helpful graphic that shows what a heavy backpack can do to a growing child’s back and neck.

The good news is that even if the backpack is too heavy, it probably won’t cause long-term damage. But it’s uncomfortable, so that’s a good enough reason to keep the weight and size down.

If it seems your child carries a lot of weight every day in the bag, talk to their teacher about how to reduce the load. Perhaps you can keep an extra copy of heavy textbooks at home, etc.

Be Proactive About Backpack and Back Pain

If you remember the tips highlighted above, your child should have a comfortable backpack void of discomfort.

However, it’s important to check in with your child often to find out if they are dealing with any back pain from their backpack over the weeks and months.

Also, remember to help the child select the smallest backpack that is large enough to fit everything they need each day, but not so big it hurts the back.

You also should talk to teachers to find strategies so the child doesn’t need to carry a lot of heavy books every day. Perhaps having a set of books in class and heavier ones at home might work.

Some parents scan copies of pages from books and assignments for home use, so not so many need to be carried home every day.

Your child probably needs a backpack for school, but remembering these guidelines will ensure their back doesn’t hurt all day.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.