4 steps to backpack safety

Below are helpful tips to insure you know how to safely use your backpack in order to promote spinal health.

	Step 1: Choose Right. Choosing the right size backpack is the most important step to safe backpack use. Tip: Bring a friend to help you measure your backpack properly.
	Step 2: Pack Right. The maximum weight of the loaded backpack should not exceed 15 % of your body weight, so pack only what is needed. Tip: If the backpack forces the wearer to move forward to carry, it's overloaded.
	Step 3: Lift Right. Face the Pack -Bend at the Knees - Use both hands and check the weight of the pack. - Lift with the legs - Apply one shoulder strap and then the other. Tip: Don't sling the backpack onto one shoulder.
	Step 4: Wear Right. Use both shoulder straps - snug, but not too tight. Tip: When the backpack has a waist strap - use it