Over the past few years, our handbags have seemed to morph from small, clutch-type entities to extra-large, carry-all totes. Many designers actually create the same bag in several sizes: mini, regular, and oversized. After all, there’s the wallet, cell phone, cosmetics, iPod, regular glasses, sunglasses, Kleenex — and those are merely the essentials. I often have to throw in a file or two and my lap top if need be. My husband and sister insist I once pulled a turkey baster out of my pocketbook, and although I do carry a lot, I adamantly deny this story.
Chiropractors report treating an increased number of women for neck, shoulder, and back pain. The cause? Carrying huge purses. According to Dr. David Golden, an orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Hospital in Beverly Hills, California (where else?), “the effects of carrying a heavy purse are similar to those of exercising too strenuously. Usually the pain will be temporary. You need to carry 50 pounds or more to cause lasting damage to the back.”
Many of us carry a purse weighing between seven and 10 pounds. We tend to carry it on the same shoulder, which may cause one shoulder to become slightly higher than the other. Add to that talking on the cell phone while carrying the heavy bag, which makes the problem worse — in addition to carrying too much weight, you are lifting the shoulder at the same time to hold the phone to your ear. Besides large shoulder bags, many women carry small pocketbooks with handles that rest on the forearm. This can lead to elbow and wrist problems.
Treatment options include massage, warm packs, anti-inflammatory medicine, and resting the injured muscles. So organize your Louis, Pradas, and Chanels and try these tips to prevent any problems:
Once a week, go through your purse and empty out the junk.
When putting stuff back in, divide amongst all the pockets and flaps to evenly distribute the weight.
Adjustable straps let you place the bag across your body (messenger bag style), which takes the stress off the shoulder and prevents positioning the shoulders unevenly.
Thin straps and chains can cut into your shoulder and don’t distribute the pressure as well as wide ones, but (just so you know) this sacrifice will cause a fashion faux pas for the spring.
Switch the bag from shoulder to shoulder when possible.
Rather then lift your shoulder to keep the bag from slipping, try to square your shoulders and keep them even.
Notice nowhere did I say give up the bag. You just never know when there’s a turkey around that needs a quick baste.
Blogged by Lynda Shrager
The Organized Caregiver
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