Newswise — The annual National School Backpack Awareness Day, sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association, is set for Wednesday, September 19, 2007. Occupational therapy practitioners, researchers, and students will hold special events in communities throughout the country to educate students on the proper way to wear a backpack and how much weight to carry.
More than 40 million students in the United States carry backpacks. According to one study, 6 out of 10 students ages 9-20 reported chronic back pain related to backpacks.
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. These health care professionals 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 . Contact the AOTA press office to connect with a local backpack event in your area.
Occupational therapists are available to speak on the subject of Backpack Day. Please contact the AOTA press office to arrange an interview with:
Karen Jacobs, Ed.D., OTR/L, CPE, FAOTABoston UniversityOccupational therapist, certified ergonomist, and former President of AOTA
The American Occupational Therapy Association, established in 1917, represents nearly 35,000 members. AOTA is an active advocate for the profession, and for individuals who can benefit from occupational therapy services.
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