Letters to the Editor

Make sure you get

the correct backpack

To the Editor:

As the upcoming school year approaches parents will be taking their children to get their yearly school supplies. One item that parents should pay extra attention to is their child's backpack. Backpacks that are too heavy have been shown to lead to back problems and poor posture. Some studies have shown that a backpack that is too heavy for the child can cause nerve pressure around the neck that could lead to muscle spasms, and neck or shoulder pain.

A child should never carry a backpack that is more than 10% of their body weight. For example, a child that weighs 100 pounds should wear a backpack weighing 10 pounds or less.

Here are some quick tips to choosing the right backpack.

1. Is the backpack the correct size for your child?

The bag should not hang more than 4 inches below the child's waist. If it hangs too low it will cause excess weight on their shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.

2. Does the backpack have two wide and padded straps?

Unpadded straps can be uncomfortable and can dig into your child's shoulders. Carrying a backpack around by only one strap can cause an unequal distribution on weight and can lead to muscle spasms, as well as low back pain.

3. Are the shoulder straps adjustable?

Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to hang too low and can cause spinal misalignment and pain.

4. Does the backpack have a padded back?

Not only does this padding provide extra comfort, but it prevents sharp objects in the bag from poking the child in the back.

5. Is their a waist belt?

These belts distribute the weight of the heavy bag from the shoulders to the hips and torso.

6. Does the backpack have several compartments?

This allows the weight to be more evenly distributed. Try to place the heaviest items closest to your child's body.

Steve Brinson

Linton

We need to take care

of our 'home folks' first

To the Editor:

I'm writing this with mixed feelings. The subject is solicitation of donations to give aid to this worthy cause or another.

We are confronted by these solicitors at the entrance to WalMart. I'm not a crabby old sour pus tightwad, that would rather avoid these people, but I'm wondering -- Shouldn't we save our donations for worthy causes here in Greene County?

I know that most of these are worthy causes. I believe there is enough need in Greene County that deserves these donations. Many of these causes are from out of town or even out of state.

Last week, it was a group from Indianapolis collecting for a private educational program. This week it's for a "drug" rehabilitation program in Huntsville, Ala., and Richmond, Va. They come to our rural areas because the big cities have been picked clean.

My question is, do the people in Greene County have enough money to support those causes along with our own county's worthy causes?

I say, take care of the home folks first.

City hall says that we can do nothing as long as these activities take place on private property. I wonder if our Chamber of Commerce could reason with these private businesses to rethink their policy on this matter.

After all, these businesses rely on Greene County residents' money to provide their profits.

Thank for listening.

Robert M. Weyer

Linton

Brust family

appreciates support

To the Editor:

The family of Jessie Rae Brust would like to express our sincere appreciation to those who sent condolences, flowers, cards, gifts, and food.

A special thanks goes out to the ambulance service, Dr. DuPre, Dr. Gambill, the staff at Sullivan County Community Hospital, and the Shiloh Church for the wonderful meal they prepared.

We could not have made it through this without love and support from Jessie Rae's friends, colleagues, and family.

Terry, Becky and Freddie Brust

Dugger