Many parents worry about the effect that carrying a heavy backpack to school can have on their child’s spine. We asked Dr. Derek Kelly, an orthopedic surgeon with Campbell Clinic and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, what parents need to know. Here’s what he had to say:

Backpacks are often blamed for all sorts of spine conditions in school-aged children.  Most of this blame is unfair to the poor, misunderstood backpack.  There is currently no scientific data to link backpack use to spinal deformity conditions like scoliosis or kyphosis.  However, back pain is very common in children and teenagers, and some of this pain is possibly related to the use -- or improper use -- of backpacks.  When carrying a backpack, kids should:

• Pack lightly.  Only carry necessary items.  Do not carry every book home every day; only carry those books needed for homework that night or that weekend. Leave the rest in the classroom or locker.
• Use both straps.  The weight of a backpack is best distributed across both shoulders. Most backpacks are designed to evenly spread the weight across both shoulders, and using the pack in this manner is safest.
• Use rolling packs.  Use a rolling pack or bag when possible to keep the weight of the back.
• Exercise regularly.  Regular physical activity, particularly exercises designed to strengthen the core muscles (abdominal muscles, spine muscles, buttock muscles, and upper thigh muscles), can help reduce the frequency and severity of back pain.
• Stretch often.  Hamstring tightness is a major contributor to back pain in children and adolescents.  Routine stretching of these muscles is very important.

Though homework can be frustrating for both kids and parents, there are a few practical ways to save your sanity and keep peace at home. Ginger Joe, Ed.D., Ed.S., M.Ed., a teacher with Le Bonheur’s Child Life team, offers some tips for developing an effective homework routine below.

Homework: the well-known subject that comes up when children get home from school.  Even our tone of voice seems to drop an octave when we say, “homework.” But homework does reinforce learning. It is known that homework gives students opportunities to practice, review and apply knowledge they learned in class.

Here are some tips for making homework easier for the family:

Show you think education and homework are important. Children are more eager to do homework if they know their parents care that it gets done.Set a regular time for homework. Remember, the best time is one that works for your child and your family. 

Pick a place to study that is fairly quiet and has lots of light.

Have supplies ready for your child so that you’re not frantically searching for them when homework time begins.

Set a good example by reading and writing yourself. Your child learns what things are important by watching what you do. Encourage educational activities. Go on walks in the neighborhood, trips to the zoo and encourage chores that teach responsibility.

Read with your child from a young age. This activity stimulates interest in reading and language and lays the foundation for your child's becoming a lifelong reader.

Take your child to the library and encourage him to check out materials needed for homework. Talk about school and learning activities. Attend school activities, such as parent-teacher meetings and sports events.

Encourage your child to take notes concerning homework assignments in case questions arise later at home. Use a homework planner where you can both track homework assignments and better plan for family events or traveling. Most schools—even elementary—have homework hotlines for parents to call and inquire about homework assignments.

Check on your child's work. How closely you watch over homework will depend on the age of your child, how independent he is and how well he does in school.

Provide guidance. Do not do the assignment yourself. It's not your homework--it's your child's. You should, however, offer guidance. Figure out how your child learns best. Knowing this makes it easier for you to help your child. For example, if your child is a visual learner, draw a picture or a chart to help with some assignments.

The hustle and bustle of summer months leaves little time for parents and their teens to think about much else, let alone vaccinations. But Dr. Kip Frizzell, a pediatrician and Le Bonheur’s director of Coordination of Care, stresses the importance of knowing when to get vaccinated, especially when preparing to go back to school or off to college. Here’s what Frizzell had to say:

“The best way to make sure you have the most current record of your child’s immunization history is to schedule yearly checkups with his or her pediatrician.

Your child, and you for that matter, should have the flu vaccine. Anyone over the age of 6 months can receive the shot version of the vaccine, and healthy individuals ages 2-49 can receive the nasal mist vaccine.

For young ladies, the HPV vaccine is available to protect against the virus that can cause certain forms of cervical cancer. Gardasil is recommended to be administered routinely to girls 11 to 12 years of age. A health provider’s discretion is recommended for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26.

Any adolescent or college-aged individual should receive the vaccine for Meningococcal disease and meningitis.  It’s important for parents to be informed about this potentially fatal, fast-moving disease. It can easily be mistaken for the flu, and although meningitis can strike at any age, teens and college students are at a particularly increased risk, as they often live in close quarters, such as dorms or military barracks. Protect yourself and your family by having your child vaccinated.”

Take these tips from Frizzell, if you are concerned about administering a vaccine to your child:

• The risks from vaccines are exceedingly small;
• Vaccines are the single best way to prevent acquiring one of these significant and potentially life-threatening diseases;
• Parents should check with their pediatrician on any concerns regarding diseases or vaccines. The American Academy of Pediatrics also offers excellent information.