WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: BACKPACK SAFETY
Profile America — Wednesday, September 21st. They are there every morning and afternoon — a steady stream of children walking along to and from school and each one lugging a bulging backpack. There is growing concern about the size of that bulge, and that's why this is Backpack Safety America Month. Many times, it looks as if the backpack holds more than the student's school locker. Experts say overloaded backpacks can throw a child off balance, and strain back and shoulder muscles. A good rule of thumb is that the backpack should weigh no more than 10 to 15 percent of a child's body weight. So, an 80 pound child's pack should weigh no more than 8 to 12 pounds. Each year in the U.S. almost 17,000 children 12 and younger are treated for sprains and strains. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2011, p. 435
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2011, t. 196
Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).
SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau
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