School supplies have certainly changed a lot since I was going to school – today’s version of a notebook is a miniature computer instead of the Big Chief tablets I associated with so we’ve put together a list of back to school must haves kids will deem cool and parents will appreciate for their “secretive” health benefits.

Yes, I said “we” because I keep up-to-date with innovative health products and medical supplies, but I had to enlist the help from younger generations for the “cool” factor. Cereal Kix put it best with their trademark phrase “Kid tested. Mother approved.”

First up is the best backpack for school. Backpacks of past generations came down to one word: JanSport. Color was the differentiator. Today’s backpacks are wireless compatible, have special pockets for all the “necessary” electronics, and are more efficient than my first personal computer. Most schools no longer have lockers (kids, you’ve seen them – they’re in 80s movies) so backpacks are filled with even heavier loads than ever. One thing that hasn’t changed – standard backpacks put strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, causing pain and poor posture (to accommodate for the heavy back loads, the shoulders automatically “round” forward to help the body compensate being so off balanced). For a while backpacks on wheels were new enough to be acceptable (though never cool or trendy) but no self-respecting child anywhere near the age of fashion independence is going to allow themselves to be forced to wheel around their pack. How to keep your child’s still developing spine protected while also allowing them a sense of style?

Enter the AirPacks Ergonomic Backpack which is specially designed (developed by orthopedic  specialists) to improve posture, comfort, and relieve stress on growing spines combined with a contemporary style cool enough that your kid won’t know the backpack is good for them. Different sizes (small, med, large) allow for a better fit based on body size, while an inflatable lumbar cushion and wider shoulder pads help redistribute weight from the shoulders to the hips for a more balanced and supported load.

If your child doesn’t go to a school which assigns every student a laptop, chances are they have at least one computer of their own at home – another posture killer (don’t believe me? How is your posture as you’re sitting reading this? I rest my case).  Carpal tunnel syndrome used to be something associated with secretaries (yes, fewer people used computers in past decades), but now I’m hearing from physical therapists that kids of all ages are suffering from this syndrome. To help students (and professionals) combat the risk of carpal tunnel from repetitive wrist/hand movements, use an ergonomic mouse. There is a short list of highly praised products, but the final vote for best ergonomic mouse is going to come down to personal opinion.

I polled various generations and the favorites were the Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4 and Smartfish Whirl Wireless Laser Mouse. The Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4 was the product of extensive positioning research (and followed the Evoluent Vertical Mouse 3) and the resulting patented design supports your hand in a neutral, “handshake” position which allows your wrist and forearm to remain continuously relaxed (not something I associate with using a mouse). The Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4 Small has all the features just mentioned, but is designed for people with smaller hands (the link shares their definition of “smaller hands”).

People liked how simple the Smartfish Whirl Wireless Laser Mouse is to use – it is wireless, just plugs into the USB connection (no software or additional wires needed), and has an “ambidextrous design” so right hand and “lefties” can all use the same product. Like the Evoluent 4, this Smartfish ergonomic wireless mouse was developed by specialists (in this case assisted by the top rated orthopedics hospital in America). Your hand doesn’t remain in a fixed position because the Smartfish Whirl Mouse adapts to the natural positions of your hand (it pivots, sways, rolls, etc.) so the forced repetitive movements (which can cause carpal tunnel) while using a standard mouse don’t happen here.

There are certainly more back to school must haves with health benefits you’ll love and your kids will benefit from. I don’t want to keep writing and have this become a novel, so I’ll continue on in my next blog with innovative products to help wake your kids up for school (certainly one of the things I dread most about the kids going back to school), to keep all the onslaught of germs they bring home from school at bay (no, it doesn’t include drowning anything in bleach), and more. What do you think of these must haves for back to school so far? I love feedback, so leave me a comment below (if I get it in time, I may even add it to my next blog).