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As students head back to school, doctors and teachers are warning parents to take a closer look at what's inside their children's backpacks, saying overloaded bags can increase the risk of injury and make the school day harder.

Today's backpacks often carry far more than textbooks. Many students haul laptops or tablets, chargers, notebooks, water bottles, lunch boxes, sports gear and other personal items, creating loads that experts say can put unnecessary strain on growing bodies.