Did you know?

• Over 50 per cent of schoolchildren in Chennai (Medline) were found to be in chronic pain due to carrying heavy backpacks
• After our sustained campaign in association with Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Cochin, Kerala became the 2nd State in the world (after California) to pass a law banning heavy Backpacks in Schools.
• At the start of each academic year, it is customary to express concern in the print media about the plight of our over-burdened children. There was an unsuccessful attempt in Karnataka at seeking legal intervention in 2003. Unfortunately, the matter tends to rest there and nothing really changes, except in a handful of enterprising and empathetic schools.

So, what does carrying heavy backpacks actually do?

• Total weight on the body increases
• The direction and magnitude of the resultant force changes
• The body usually leans forward
• The body's center of gravity changes affecting stability
• A healthy body compensates for this change to maintain stability
• Commonly, the head is raised up to prevent falling forward
• If the body's adjusting capacity is exceeded, health is affected
  

Depending on the magnitude, direction, frequency and duration of the external forces due to backpacks, one or more of the following may happen either instantaneously or over time:

• Tiredness or muscle fatigue
• Swelling
• Pain in the head, neck, back, shoulders, arms or hands
• Muscle spasms or stiffness
• Tingling or numbness
• Curved or rounded back
• Altered gait
   

The immediate result of carrying too much unbalanced weight for too long is muscle soreness and strained ligaments. Researchers have found that backpacks lead to restricted movement of the spine and alter the fluid content of discs, making the child a prime candidate for permanent structural damage such as herniated ("slipped") disc and degenerative arthritis of spine later in life.

National Posture Survey

This is a national study to estimate the extent of health problems arising out of heavy backpacks. Initially, the study will commence at Bangalore and Kochi (in collaboration with Indian Academy of Pediatrics), and may be later extended to other cities.
Parents, medical professionals and schools interested in finding solutions to the backpack issue are invited to join this study. Contact me for further information.
There are several prizes (well-designed backpacks) on offer to encourage participation. Every respondent will get an attractive brochure on Backpack Safety.
 

Options to participate in the study:

Take print outs of the Posture Survey and mail the completed forms to Dr. Deepak Sharan. CLICK HERE FOR THE FORM.