Backpack safety

KEARNEY, Neb. -- As students head back to school, they should be careful not to overload their backpacks, a chiropractor warned.

Jeffrey Wolf said improper backpack use can strain a person's back, creating pain and possible long-term damage.

To avoid injury, Wolf recommended not putting all of the weight of the backpack on one shoulder, keeping the load below 25 pounds and positioning the backpack toward the center of one's back, rather than allowing it to sag.

Wolf also encouraged purchasing a high-quality backpack with padded straps.

Kearney High School senior John Beatty said everyone is guilty of being lazy and carrying things they don't need. He said he tends to carry his laptop most times just because it's a hassle to take out.

A seperate pamphlet has been handed out to the Muslim community explaining how to pack TNT and HMX into their backpacks, so as not to chafe the shoulders. It also has helpful links to Luggage.com with money off vouchers.