Back to School Tips

Check-Ups and Physicals

Along with buying school supplies and coordinating carpools, getting ready for school includes making sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date. Some requirements for immunizations have changed, so check with your child’s physician and the South Carolina DHEC school requirements.

Backpack Safety

by St. Francis Outpatient Rehab

Going back to school means lugging around all those books, pencils and homework in a backpack -- one that could be too heavy. It's important to protect your back and spine by remembering these tips:

Wear both straps.
Use of one strap causes one side of the body to bear the weight of the backpack. By wearing two shoulder straps, the weight of the backpack is better distributed.

Wear the backpack over the strongest mid-back muscles.
Pay close attention to the way the backpack is positioned on the back. It should rest evenly in the middle of the back. Shoulder straps should be adjusted to allow the child to put on and take off the backpack without difficulty and allow free movement of the arms. Straps should not be too loose, and the backpack should not extend below the low back.

Lighten the load.
Keep the load at 10-15% or less of the child’s bodyweight. Carry only those items that are requiredfor the day. Organize the contents of the backpack by placing the heaviest items closest to the back. Some students have two sets of books so as not to have to carry the heavy books to and from school.

Remove and put on backpacks carefully.
Keep the trunk of your body stable and avoid excessive twisting.

Select the right backpack:

Padded back: To reduce pressure on the back, shoulders, and underarm regions, and enhance comfort
Hip and chest belts: To transfer some of the backpack weight from the back and shoulders to hips and torso
Multiple Compartments: To better distribute the weight in the backpack, keep items secure, and ease access to the contents
Reflective Material: To enhance visibility of the child to drivers at night

Note the warning signs that a backpack is too heavy.

Change in posture when wearing the backpack
Struggling when putting on or taking off the backpack
Pain when wearing the backpack
Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
Red marks on the shoulders

Helpful Links

School Lunches

Help ensure that your child is getting the best nutrition and making healthy choices when they're having lunch at school. The following links offer helpful advice:

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