Newswise — The third annual National School Backpack Awareness Day, sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association, is set for September 21, 2005.
From bullies to heavy backpacks to sleepless nights studying for tests, staying healthy during the school year can be a challenge for today's students. Occupational therapists and assistants are ready to help.
This year on National School Backpack Awareness Day, September 21, occupational therapy practitioners, researchers, and students will hold special events in communities throughout the US to educate students on ways to stay mentally and physically healthy despite the stresses of school.
Though most children are thinking about more recreational pursuits at swimming pools or camp during the summer, when they return to school in the fall the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) urges students to "Pack it Light, Wear it Right" with respect to their backpacks, and to "Lighten Up!" when dealing with the stresses of school.
Teaching proper backpack ergonomics is just one of the many ways occupational therapy practitioners can help students stay healthy and succeed in school. Occupational therapists also have expertise in correcting handwriting problems, helping children learn social skills, and teaching students effective and efficient ways to learn in school.
When National School Backpack Awareness Day is celebrated on September 21, in addition to weighing students and their backpacks to highlight the problem of students carrying too much on their backs, occupational therapists will provide children and families with tips to help them stay healthy and succeed in school.
Occupational therapy practitioners work with students in every school district in the country.
To find out more about National School Backpack Awareness Day, visit http://www.promoteot.org/AI_BackpackAwareness.html or check with your schoolor local occupational therapist or assistant.
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents more than 35,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapy students. Approximately one-fourth of AOTA members work with children in school systems, homes, hospitals, and other health care and community settings. Occupational therapy practitioners are trained in helping children with a broad range of physical and mental issues that include developmental and psychosocial problems. Practitioners work with children to improve skills that help them succeed in their "occupations" of learning, socialization and play.
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