Marshall School sixth-grader Jenny Lo watches as her backpack is weighed by Becca Hemke, an occupational therapy student at the College of St. Scholastica. Students should carry only up to
15 percent of their body weight in their backpacks. Lo's came in on the healthy side at 14 percent. At left, Pentti Hanlon waits his turn. Children who use overloaded and improperly worn packs are likely to experience neck, shoulder and back pain, as well as adverse effects on posture and the developing spine. St. Scholastica occupational therapy students weighed backpacks at Grant School as well to help children understand proper use. [Bob King / News Tribune]
