August: what to talk to your people about
Back to school: backpacks, preseason practice and an hour a day.
Backpack check
Pediatricians say a backpack should weigh no more than 15 percent of a child’s weight and be worn on both shoulders, with the heaviest things closest to the back. A quick check before the first day of school.
For: Chiropractic
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, School backpack safety
Preseason heat
A CDC study of high school athletes found about two thirds of heat illnesses happened in August, when preseason practice starts. Parents of young athletes will read this one.
For: Fitness, Chiropractic, Massage
Source: CDC, Heat illness among high school athletes, MMWR, 2010
An hour a day for kids
The CDC says children and teens need at least 60 minutes of activity every day, with muscle and bone strengthening on three. A family class or a kids’ session fits right in.
For: Fitness
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Child activity: an overview