Move over, NFL anthem protesters — America has a new public enemy #1: backpacks.
A recent study in Science Daily found that schoolchildren carrying heavy loads were at risk of suffering damage to the soft tissues and nerves of their shoulder, which could result in everything “from simple irritation to diminished nerve capacity, ultimately limiting the muscles’ ability to respond to the brain’s signals, inhibiting movement of the hand and the dexterity of the fingers.”
In another study, heavy backpacks — some that added up to as much as 30 percent of a child’s body weight — caused disc compression that could permanently alter the curvature of the spine.
Children aren’t the only ones at risk, however. Natalie Lovitz, Clinical Director of Professional Physical Therapy in New York City, says that adults who regularly wear heavy bags such as purses and briefcases “can cause or reinforce muscle imbalances in the shoulders and spine.” Which, in turn, can cause back and shoulder problems, headaches and even change the way you walk.
While we used to make endless fun of them when we were kids, perhaps roller bags are the answer to this dangerous epidemic after all — for child and adult alike.
A few other things we learned about our bodies today:
- If you’ve ever wondered how much antibiotics are in your favorite restaurants’ food, CNN has you covered. Word to the wise: Avoid Buffalo Wild Wings.
- Panera Bread, home of the 1060-calorie Steak & White Cheddar Panini, issued a challenge to other fast-food and fast-casual chains to improve the nutrition of their kids’ menus.
- If you’re worried you or your child might be at risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), there may soon be a test for living patients.
- Always hungry? Try eating more mackerel…
- … and less sugar, that shit’s making you depressed.
- In today’s “no, duh” news, airline food tastes bad! Just not for the reason you’d think.
Jeff Gross
Jeff Gross is MEL’s senior editor for social media and content marketing. His daily ICYMI column, which chronicles all things meta on the site, is the quickest way to catch up on MEL, and the funniest thing you’ll read all day. Follow him on Twitter.
