Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/853291
6 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST AUgUST - BAck TO SchOOl | SATURdAY, JUlY 29, 2017 Wolfpack Hearing makes loud impression on Northwest Arkansas Avoid back injuries by choosing the right backpack metro creative ServiceS Finding the right backpack is an essential component of back-to-school shopping. Children may have their own ideas of what's in style, but parents should look for backpacks that are functional before factoring in style. Marrying form and function together can be challenging, but it's necessary to prevent students from developing back problems. But parents must give consideration to more than just the size of their children's backpacks. Depending on school schedules, students may be carrying backpacks for up to 10 hours per day, fi ve days per week. Backpacks may be fi lled with several pounds of stuff, such as textbooks, binders, laptops, and other supplies, potentially leading to injury. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at least 14,000 children are treated for backpack-related injuries every year. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that the weight of a backpack should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of a child's body weight. But many students pack their bags with much more weight than that. Improperly sized, worn and overstuffed backpacks can injure joints and lead to neck, back and shoulder injuries. They also may affect children's posture. Choose a streamlined model Select a backpack that will get the job done without much added bulk. Many backpacks have been designed to hold technological devices as more and more schools integrate technology into the classroom. A less bulky bag might be lighter and easy to carry. Consider shopping at a sporting goods store Employees at camping and sporting goods retailers understand how to fi t backpacks for hikers and outdoor adventurers. They can help measure a student and fi nd a pack that will fi t his or her body frame. Also, these retailers may have a wider selection of backpacks than some other stores, increasing the chances of fi nding the right fi t. Select a pack with a waist strap According to the American Chiropractic Association, the body is not designed to carry items hanging from shoulders. By using the waist strap in conjunction with taut shoulder straps, students can distribute the weight in their backpacks over their hip bones instead of the shoulders. The padded and adjustable shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide. All straps should be used each time the pack is worn. Backpacks should be loaded properly Heavy items should be near the center bottom to distribute the load, rather than placed on top. Students should only carry what is necessary, visiting lockers or desks as needed to lighten their packs. Backpack fi t and functionality is something parents should take seriously when shopping for school supplies. 6 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST AUgUST - BAck TO SchOOl | SATURdAY, JUlY 29, 2017 with taut shoulder straps, students can distribute the weight in their backpacks over their hip bones instead of the shoulders. The padded and adjustable shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide. All straps should be used Backpack fi t and functionality is something parents should take seriously when shopping for school 6 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST AUgUST - BAck TO SchOOl | SATURdAY, JUlY 29, 2017 Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette Wolfpack Hearing Clinic was born from the basic principle that the good of the patient stands above all else. In speaking to Dr. Richards, you get the unmistakable sense that he truly believes his mission statement. The accomplished owner and audiologist was not even 30 years of age when he founded Wolfpack Hearing Clinic. Still in relative infancy, the Fayetteville- based practice has shown unusually large and consistent growth, especially for a newer practice. "As anyone could guess, starting a clinic from scratch was not an easy feat," Dustin Richards, Au.D. candidly remarked. "Once we earned our core group of patients, word of mouth began to take effect. We're at the point now where each day is fully booked with patient visits. The only way this happens is with quality care and making sure that the needs of the patient is top priority, without exception. We are very fortunate to have a team wholly dedicated to the same vision and high level of service." Perhaps most surprising is the fact that Dr. Richards is the elder of group, having assembled a similarly young team. Despite their youth, their appeal to the community stems from old-school work ethic and values. "Marketing consultants have suggested to us that our youth is not exactly a 'selling point.' Perhaps they are right; patients seeking help for their hearing diffi culties may desire more experience from their professionals. I would point out that each member of our team has experience with hearing loss since childhood, whether through our own family members; or personally as is the case with our audiology assistant, Brittany Daniels, who has worn hearing aids most of her life. Technology is rapidly advanced and we are well-equipped to stay up-to-date on that, but ultimately the best level of hearing healthcare comes from strong work ethic and empathy for the individuals we serve." While Wolfpack has enjoyed rapid success, the team remains grounded and shows a unique level of focus toward their own personal growth. The staff carries a unique tradition in asking each patient to share a piece of advice before closing their appointment. "One of the best perks of our job is the constant access to life experience and wisdom we have from our very own patients. It is important to me that as a staff we are always learning and growing as people. What better way to do that than by simply listening to others willing to share that wisdom? Everyone has a story. We greatly enjoy hearing those stories and applying the lessons to our own lives. It also helps us do our jobs better when we know and understand the individuals we are working with. I really do feel that this is the key to our success and there is not a person out there that we can't help." In our conversation with Dr. Richards, we greatly enjoyed that someone who helps those with hearing loss placed special emphasis on listening. It is easy to see what makes this clinic so appealing to the community. Find out what all the noise is about by visiting Wolfpack Hearing Clinic at 2630 E. Citizens Drive, #7 in Fayetteville; located at the intersection of Crossover and Mission in Kantz Center. They can also be contacted by phone at (479) 957-9300 or by visiting wolfpackhearing.com.