With back to school time here, backpacks are all the rage! Backpacks are customizable, come in all shapes, sizes and colors and are the ultimate in self-expression. But—when not worn properly, they can cause short- or long-term problems in kids’ muscles, joints and—well—back. So what’s the right way to wear and carry a backpack? What else should you know so we can keep our learners in good physical health? Dr. Phil Mack, orthopedic surgeon with Connecticut Children’s, has answers.

One of the toughest transitions of moving from pre-motherhood to a life with kids, is going from routine to chaos. I had always assumed that after my maternity leave, I would be going back to my 9-5. I didn’t know it at the time but the fate of my career as I knew it...