Orthopaedic surgeons offer tips to keep bones
and joints healthy this school year
ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 19,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the first bell of the school
year rings, a new wave of excitement and independence washes over
students. With this freedom comes increased risks. Distractions
like smartphones, headphones and crowded walkways can pose safety
hazards. The bone and joint experts at the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) remind us that accidents can be
prevented if parents, teachers and students are on the lookout for
potential risks.
ALWAYS BE AWARE AND ALERT
With the increased foot
traffic of young pedestrians, it's essential for students to be
mindful of their surroundings when walking to and from school. By
obeying traffic signals, using designated crosswalks and making eye
contact with drivers before crossing, students can significantly
reduce their risk of pedestrian accidents.
"Elementary school children are very active and impulsive," said
L. Reid Nichols, MD, FAAOS, FAOA,
pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and AAOS spokesperson. "Although they
are learning and growing, school-age children still need guidance
when playing and walking near traffic. Simple reminders, such as
'look left, right, then left again before crossing the street,' can
help reinforce children's pedestrian safety habits and avoid
traumatic injuries."
BACKPACK SAFETY
Heavy backpacks can be a source of
back, neck and shoulder-related pain in adolescents and adults. In
fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),
there were an estimated annual average of 1,200
backpack-related injuries to children under 19 years old treated in
emergency rooms from 2019-2021. While U.S.-based organizations vary
on how much weight one should carry, on average it is suggested a
healthy child with an appropriate body mass index should not carry
more than 10% to 20% of their body weight in a backpack.
"Improperly wearing and overloading a backpack can result in
back, neck and shoulder pain," added Dr. Nichols. "To limit
injuries or back pain, encourage your children to limit the load
and utilize both padded straps for proper posture and weight
distribution."
Decrease your chances of backpack-related injuries this school
year with these simple tips:
- Always use both shoulder straps when carrying a backpack. The
correct use of both wide, well-padded shoulder straps will help
distribute the weight of the backpack more evenly across the user's
back.
- Tighten the straps to keep the load closer to the back. The
bottom of the backpack should sit at the waist.
- Organize the items: pack heavier things low and towards the
center.
- Pack light, removing items if the backpack is too heavy. Carry
only those items that are required for the day, and if possible,
leave unnecessary books at home or school.
- When picking up a backpack, lift properly by bending at the
knees.
CATCH A BREAK FROM YOUR PHONE WHEN WALKING
As students
across the country arrive on campus for the start of a new school
year, they may regard their smartphones as their most indispensable
personal items. For some, though, the devices may also be dangerous
distractions. Whether listening to music, texting, talking or
otherwise absorbed in their phones they are making themselves more
vulnerable by tuning out their surroundings.
Consider these tips to avoid the dangers of distracted
walking:
- Never walk while texting or talking on your phone.
- If texting, step out of the way of others and stop on the
sidewalk.
- Never cross the street while using an electronic device
- Be aware of your surroundings. Look up, not down, especially
around curbs, stairs and intersections.
- Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available. If you must
walk on the street, face oncoming traffic.
For more bone and joint injury prevention and treatment
information, visit OrthoInfo.org.
About the AAOS
With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world's largest medical
association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS is the trusted
leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest
quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons
and allied health professionals at every career level to best treat
patients in their daily practices. The AAOS is the source for
information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related
musculoskeletal health care issues; and it leads the health care
discussion on advancing quality.
Follow the AAOS on Facebook, X,
LinkedIn and Instagram.
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SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons