Be careful not to put too much weight on schoolchildren's backs

Between books, a laptop or tablet, lunch and whatever else students stuff into their backpacks, the load can add up to some serious weight.

It also can add up to a sore back, shoulders and neck.

It’s easy to overload a school backpack, said Kathleen Hansen, an occupational therapist with SEARHC in Juneau, where she works with children and adults.

“Many people are very surprised to find out how much their backpack weighs,” she said. Her advice is to “pack smart as they ready for school.”

The new school year in Wrangell starts Aug. 22.

“There is a little bit of a formula to figure out how (weigh...