Health Watch is a public service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Health Watch, we're talking about getting ready to go back to school. When you're shopping for school supplies, look for a backpack that won't put too much weight on your child's shoulders.

Dr. Jay Cook, a pediatric neurologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says overloaded backpacks can cause a condition called rucksack paralysis — which is nerve damage caused by strain on the shoulders. Symptoms include tingling and pain in the hands and arms. A backpack is too heavy if the child strains or slumps when carrying it. Try to lighten the load by not carrying anything unnecessary, or look for backpacks that have waist straps to help distribute the weight. Rolling backpacks or carts are another option.  

###

August 2006

Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.