Pack it Light, Wear it Right 2013
Newfoundland and Labrador’s chiropractors to donate 250 ergonomic backpacks to needy children
St. John’s (August 26, 2013) – If you’ve ever watched students struggle with overloaded backpacks, you can probably imagine the health risks for their backs and spines. Hauling heavy backpacks on a continual basis can cause stress to growing spinal columns, and could lead to a lifetime of health problems and pain.
Back pain affects an estimated 75-80% of adults at some point in their lives. As experts in the conservative management of back pain, the province’s chiropractors know all too well the impact that back pain has on Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Chiropractic Association (NLCA) and the Salvation Army have partnered to give many needy children a good start this school year, and to raise awareness, promote good practices and prevent future back health problems. With the help of the province’s chiropractors and the Salvation Army, the NLCA will distribute 250 fully stocked ergonomic backpacks to some of the province’s neediest children.
“Packing a backpack light and wearing it right are both very important to preventing back pain in children, but it’s a challenge when parents are not able to afford good quality backpacks for their children. We want to change that. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to partner with the British Columbia Chiropractic Association and Staples to provide 250 backpacks that meet our guidelines for quality and ergonomics,” says Dr. Darrell Wade, Executive Director/CEO of the NLCA. “Regardless of their economic situation, all children should have the opportunity to head back to school without jeopardizing the health of their spines. This is a basic need as far as I am concerned.”
For the Salvation Army and other community organizations across the province, this is a welcome addition to their NL programs. “Partnerships such as this help us meet the needs of children with school supplies, and allow parents to focus on other needs such as clothing,” says Major Ken Ritson of the Salvation Army. “Together we can make a difference!”
For more information on backpack safety and the Pack it Light, Wear it Right program visit www.nlchiropractic.ca or contact:
Dr. Darrell J Wade, DC
Executive Director/CEO
Newfoundland and Labrador Chiropractic Association
T.709.739.7762
F.709.739.7703