YUU LAUNCH OF ERGONOMIC SCHOOL BAGS TO AVOID BACK PAIN IN CHILDREN…

YUU is backing better backs with the launch of their new ergonomic school bag.

With the summer holidays in full swing it won’t be long before parents start thinking about kitting out their child ready for the new school year. The spotlight has been firmly on school bags in recent years with vast research urging parents to think carefully about their child’s school bag and posture in relation to back health.

In response to this, the leading children’s backpack brand YUU are launching their new ergonomically-designed school backpack, YUUschool, along with their ‘backing better backs’ campaign to encourage parents to reassess their child’s backpack and posture to avoid any unnecessary backpain in the future.

Worryingly, according to research carried out by the British Chiropractic Association, a third of parents have reported that their child has suffered from some form of back or neck pain in the past. Whilst backpain can be caused by a number of factors, unsuitable school bags are widely accepted as a common cause. Studies have shown that up to 4 million children in the UK are walking with school bags that are too heavy for them and could potentially be harming their spines. Experts have stated that a child should be able to carry up to 10% of their own bodyweight without causing any damage but a survey by charity BackCare UK highlighted that this is often exceeded, with 11-12 year olds being the highest risk group found to be carrying on average 13% of their body weight (in some cases children were carrying up to 60%!).

Rachael Withe, marketing manager of YUU comments “Any parent would be alarmed to learn of the unseen damage their child’s backpack could be causing. Going to school brings with it a need to carry certain items and although we don’t always have control over the weight of those items, we do have control over the way in which that weight is carried. This is exactly why we have designed the new YUUschool according to ergonomic principals so that weight is distributed evenly and symmetrically over the child’s body.”

Paediatric Osteopath Annie Khenian adds “Children’s spines grow and develop rapidly, especially in adolescence, and it’s imperative that correct posture is maintained and care is taken in these formative years to avoid problems later in life. Many children carry substantial weight to, from and around school on a daily basis. Often the weight of the rucksack pulls children backwards which in turn prompts them to lean forward or arch their backs to keep the weight centred. Over time this position can compress the spine causing pain and discomfort. We would always advise parents to invest in a supportive backpack”

The new YUUschool backpack is packed full of scientific ergonomic features, including vertical compartmentalisation of the pockets so weight is kept higher up and closer to the spine. The s-shaped padded straps are sewn close together not just for additional comfort but also to centralise weight to the body. The deep pockets combined with the secure straps have been thoughtfully designed and positioned to avoid weight falling down into the middle of the bag which causes weight to be unevenly distributed and concentrated in one area causing unnecessary pressure and pain. The full extent of the YUUschool’s ergonomic design and the benefits this brings can be found at https://yuuworld.com/schoolbags/

Kellie Forbes, co-founder of YUU adds “For most parents this time of year is usually a race against the clock to get all the usual supplies of uniform, stationary and books fully stocked. However, this is also the perfect time to re-assess your child’s backpack and make sure it offers suitable protection for the busy year ahead. Our 10-step Backing Better Backs checklist offers a simple risk-assessment that parents can follow to help prevent painful back problems in the future.”

The YUUschool is available to buy from www.yuuworld.com for £40. There is currently a promotion for a “back to school bundle” which includes the YUUschool backpack, a gym bag, a waterbottle, stationary set and notebook for £49.50 (a saving of 25%). The website also offers advice and support for back care, including a 10-step backing better backs checklist.