Progressus Therapy Supports the AOTA in Promoting National Backpack Awareness Day

Progressus Therapy and AOTA provide tips for students, teachers and parents in the safe use of children's backpacks, as well as goals for clinicians in occupational therapy (http://www.progressustherapy.com/news/18101/Progressus-Therapy-Supports-the-AOTA-in-Promoting-National-Backpack-Awareness-Day.htm).

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) September 18, 2008 -- Progressus Therapy, the national leader in helping clinicians achieve goals in occupational therapy (http://www.progressustherapy.com/news/18101/Progressus-Therapy-Supports-the-AOTA-in-Promoting-National-Backpack-Awareness-Day.htm), announced their involvement in raising awareness about the concerns of children's backpack (http://www.progressustherapy.com/news/18101/Progressus-Therapy-Supports-the-AOTA-in-Promoting-National-Backpack-Awareness-Day.htm). Almost every child uses a backpack to carry books and other school material, however many are wearing them improperly, causing pain and potential long-term damage.

"There is an urgent need to educate students on how to wear a backpack, how to prevent discomfort and exactly how much weight a student should carry," said Michael Berthelette, MSM, OTR/L and Sr. Vice President, Business Development of Progressus Therapy. "We are joining the American Occupational Therapy Association in their goal of raising awareness in communities around the country about the effects improper backpack usage can have on a child's health."

Tips From the American Occupational Therapy Association On Children's Backpacks (http://www.progressustherapy.com/news/18101/Progressus-Therapy-Supports-the-AOTA-in-Promoting-National-Backpack-Awareness-Day.htm):

- Choose a pack that's appropriate to the child's size

- Select a pack with well-padded shoulder straps

- Choose a pack with a waist belt to be fastened for extra support

- Consider a pack with reflective trim to increase visibility

An occupational therapist can do much more than just help select your children's backpack, they are able to engage in everyday activities and build a supportive learning environment helping achieve great success in school and life. Therapists consult with an educational team to prevent disabilities and assist in modifying and maintaining a child's skills in learning.

About Progressus Therapy

Progressus Therapy is the leading provider of occupational and physical therapy solutions focusing exclusively on school-based therapy and early intervention, serving about 20,000 students in more than 150 school districts. The company is focused on reaching the goals in occupational therapy (http://www.progressustherapy.com/news/18101/Progressus-Therapy-Supports-the-AOTA-in-Promoting-National-Backpack-Awareness-Day.htm) set forth by educators, mentors and parents. Progressus Therapy is one company in a group of educational and information focused companies, including Sylvan Learning Center, Walden University, the producers of Reading Rainbow, and the makers of Hooked on Phonics.

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