Back injury from carrying heavy book bags is a common phenomenon on college campuses, and Ball State students are at risk.
According to a study conducted by the American Chiropractic Association, it's estimated that 80 percent of Americans will experience serious back pain at some point in their lives.
Depending on how many classes students have and if they live on or off campus, students might find it necessary to carry everything they need for an entire day in one bag. A sack lunch, jacket, four- to-five books, drinks and workout clothes are some of the things students cram into their sacks.
Janice Slack, a senior general studies major, said she knows exactly how it feels to put an entire day in one book bag. Slack lives in Indianapolis and commutes to Muncie every day and packs a lunch, books, pop, water, medications and a small purse in her book bag.
"I think my book bag weighs about 30 pounds," Slack said.
Slack, however, uses a book bag on rollers to help lessen the weight of the pack.
Some students have other methods to lighten their loads and avoid back pain.
Joy Grow, a senior English major, said she refuses to be burdened by a heavy book bag. Instead, she puts a two-book limit on the contents of her bag.
"I would rather just not take my book to class than carry a heavy bag around all day," Grow said.
She also carries a cell phone, a can of Coke, nail clippers, computer disks, notebooks and writing utensils in her messenger-style bag. She said the style of her bag is easier for her to carry.
"I am short and little, and it is a smaller bag, and I like it," she said. "It also has lots of pockets."
Lacey Block, senior public relations major, lives off campus and carries everything she needs for an entire day in her book bag.
"I'm basically prepared for anything," Blocks said. "I carry pens, pencils, highlighters, paper, a calculator, a stapler, my planner, a water bottle, lunch, contact solution, Advil, Chapstick, Kleenex, gum and usually a sucker or some other candy.It has to weigh at least ten pounds."
Another popular style of book bag is the two-strap over-the-shoulder bag.
Corey Yeaman, a senior English education major, carries this type of bag and says it lasts longer than the one-strap kind.
"I think on average my book bag weighs at or around nine pounds," Yeaman said.
Reusing book bags are essential for students to stay financially fit. Some students treat their book bags as if they were an old pair of jeans -- keeping it from year to year.
"I'll get as much use out of a backpack as I can ... It's a loyalty thing I guess ... It takes good care of my stuff, so I'll continue to use it until it just wears out," junior graphic design major Matt Peterson said.
Some students even get emotionally attached to their packs.
"I have [had] the same bag since freshman year in high school," junior art education and printmaking major Luke Lofland said. "In the matter of seven years, you grow attached to something you use for most of the time in your life."
Also, junior painting major Sarah Felker said finances play a role in how long she keeps her book bag.
"I'd rather be thrifty than in style, so I don't buy one every year," she said. "Plus, I made mine."
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