Sturgis Regional Hospital - Lighten Up!

Overview

Sturgis Regional Hospital Rehabilitation Department partnered with three elementary schools and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to host school rallies to encourage young people to “lighten up” their backpacks. This effort is part of the National School Backpack Awareness Day, which is designed to educate children, parents, teachers and communities about the serious health problems that can result from wearing backpacks that are too heavy or worn improperly. The “Pack It Light, Wear It Right” strategy includes (1) backpacks should weigh no more than 15 percent of the child’s body weight; (2) heaviest items should be packed closest to the child’s back; (3) both shoulder straps should be worn, as well as waist straps to distribute the weight more evenly on the child’s back; and (4) teachers should consider the total weight of each day’s assigned class work, including the weight of textbooks.

Impact

The Sturgis Regional Hospital Rehabilitation Department has educated approximately 800 Meade 46-1 School District students in grades K-6. Teachers, administrators and other school staff also participated in the educational presentations. The response from school staff, students and parents has been very positive.

Challenges/success factors

More than 40 million children in the United States carry school backpacks, and more than half of them may be carrying too much weight. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that more than 23,000 people landed in emergency departments in 2007 with injuries from backpacks and book bags, including neck, shoulder and back pain; adverse effects on posture and the developing spine; and compromised breathing and fatigue. Students are visited by the Sturgis Regional Hospital Rehabilitation Team, which consists of four physical therapists, three occupational therapists and a speech language pathologist, who work with the students on the best way to pack and wear their backpacks.

Future direction/sustainability

The goal of the rehabilitation department is to reach out and educate children with its interactive program starting at a young age. In cooperation with school system principals, this has been the hospital’s second consecutive year in presenting the program. Its audience base increased this year from presenting to only the second-graders of Bear Butte Elementary to all classes at Bear Butte, Whitewood and Enning/Union Center. The program’s vision is to annually present and expand into all elementary schools within the school system. Reiteration is one of the best ways to facilitate learning.

Advice to others

The AOTA is an excellent resource in getting ideas and advice for implementing the program in your area.

Contact: Alexa Stulken
Community Benefit Coordinator
Telephone: 605-719-5640
E-mail: astulken@regionalhealth.com