Activities for This Weekend's Sunshine

By Cassie McCully

With our warm days coming to an end, how do you plan to spend Friday and Saturday's sunshine?

For those of us who live in the greater Portland metropolitan area, we're lucky to have so many great places to visit and things to do.

Visit. Have you been to this local landmark lately?  This museum is hosting 'Harvest Fun' for the family.

Hike. This view is worth the climb, and this trail at the edge of the city is the perfect place for bike riding, stroller pushing, walking and running.

Market.  This market in Portland's Historic Old Town is a must-visit for out-of-towners and locals, alike.  In Southwest Washington?  This market is close by in Vancouver and is the second largest farmer's market in Washington.

Browse.  Looking for a new read?  This store's shelves just might pull you in for a few hours. 

Eat. The calories are high and the lines are long, but this sweet shop has been talked about across the country. 

Listen. Live music and dancing at this cultural festival in the city.

Anything to add?  Write to us in the comments!

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Is Your Child's Backpack Safe?

Now that it's back to school, have you noticed your child's backpack and what he or she may be carrying?  Have you ever thought about the safety of your back while you are toting your books and belongings to school or work?  Or do you rarely give second thought to carrying those extra pounds on your back?

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine researched children and back pain associated with backpacks and concluded information that shouldn't go ignored.

In a test of ten students, boys and girls, thirteen years of age, backpacks were fitted to each student with pressure sensors to test them carrying 10%, 20% and 30% of each of their body weight for 30 seconds.  With each increase in weight, were increased pain levels.  According to UCSD, studies have shown that children commonly carry 22% of their body weight on their back, which can be attributed to

• Posture change
• Spine curvature
• Back pain
• Shoulder pain

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) annual estimates "there are nearly 7,500 emergency room visits due to injuries related to backpacks or book bags" (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2004). 

Now, to answer yesterday's Quiz Question From the Doc :

Q: As a rule of thumb, what percent of a child's body weight is the recommended safe weight limit for that child's full backpack?

A: According to Backpack Safety America, the recommended safe weight limit for a child's full backpack is up to 10% of a child's body weight.

Tips for backpack safety:

1. Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 10% of their body weight.  This will prevent your child from slouching forward while carrying their backpack.
2. Backpacks should be worn over both shoulders.
3. Backpacks should be positioned square on the back, close to the body, with the bulk of the weight at the waist.
4. Minimize what is carried in the backpack.
5. Backpacks should have wide shoulder straps to help carry weight effectively.
6. When backpack has a waist strap--use it.

Best in health, naturally,

Dr. Marc

ucsd study

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Quiz Question From the Doc

In the spirit of back to school, backpacks and books...

Q: As a rule of thumb,

what percent of a child's body weight

is the recommended safe weight limit for that child's full backpack?

Read more...