Backpacks
Backpacks is the next best thing since the creation of sliced bread. There are many uses for backpacks and we'd like to talk about a few of them, which include school backpacks for kids, rolling backpacks for the overnighter, and even dog backpacks. www.tjtoys.com has given us their top sellers along with a few informational facts for the school kid and their parents.

KID SCHOOL BACKPACKS:
Kid backpacks are designed for fun with a wide range of themes you can choose like a horse backpack, a rodeo backpack, a dinosaur backpack, a construction backpack, or even a ballerina backpack. You can choose a licensed backpack like Thomas the Tank Engine, Jay Jay the Jet plane backpack, Spiderman backpack or even a Barbie Backpack. School backpacks are usually 16 inches (or under) in length and are not meant for heavy loads of books or other gear, but are instead ideal for clothing, lunches and small accessories for show-n-tell. Bulging backpacks can strain a child's back, neck and shoulders and lead to poor posture. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) offers tips to help parents help their children manage the load.

In 2004, about 7,600 hospital-treated injuries in the U.S. were associated with backpacks, and the most vulnerable age group was 9- to 16-year-olds.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a loaded backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of a child's total weight, though our experts recommend staying closer to 10 percent. The pack should be worn about 2 inches above the waist and with both shoulder straps, close to the body. Straps should be shortened (and the excess length fastened securely out of the way) so that they can't get stepped on or caught in doors. Reflective trim added to the back and sides of the pack adds visibility in the fall and winter months, when kids might travel to and from school in near-darkness.
Talk to your child's teacher about the book load, if necessary. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter handout materials or workbooks. Ask the teacher for a set of text books to keep at home.

According to Dr. Bautch, a recent study conducted in Italy found that the average child carries a backpack that would be the equivalent of a 39-pound burden for a 176-pound man, or a 29-pound load for a 132-pound woman. Of those children carrying heavy backpacks to school, 60 percent had experienced back pain as a result. This new back pain trend among youngsters isn't surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks, often slung over just one shoulder.

KID ROLLING BACKPACK:
Rolling backpacks are a fun way to teach your child independence while they stay over at grandma and grandpa's house or a special friend. Wheeled travel backpacks are ideal for short or long trips, depending on the size of the rolling backpack. When the terrain gets too rough, they convert quickly from rolling luggage to backpack via hidden backpack straps. The rolling backpack is a good idea for kid's taking trips on an airplane because they can roll their own luggage and feel grown up as well as pack their favorite past times for the trip.

DOG BACKPACK:
Backpacking with Your Dog can be fun and healthy. Any size or shape of dog can enjoy backpacking. There are several things to consider before you engage in this great activity: 1) Choose the right pack for your dog, 2) Condition yourself and your dog for exercise, 3) Get the items you will need to carry in your pack 4) Keep a log of your miles hiked.

Dogs can carry a good deal of weight on their backs, which is helpful in trekking across country, as your dog can then lighten your load by carrying his own provisions at the very least. It is important to place the weight which your dog will carry over the shoulder blade (withers) area, and not in the middle of the back. The shoulders are built to carry the weight--the spine is not. This is especially important in long-backed breeds. Get a pack which places the weight over the dogs shoulders. Color is a matter of opinion but keep in mind if you're out in the wilderness you will want a high visibility color to help you spot your dog from a distance.

Remember that backpack misuse leads to chronic back pain so follow the safe guidelines outlined by the Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine. Happy backpacking!

See More Backpacks!