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Carrying The Weight of the World on Your Shoulder
by: AndreaDow
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Word Count: 568
Tuesday, January 16th
Many women seem to be sporting larger and larger bags to work, the gym and out on the town. Are these bags worth the price and convenience to lug all our stuff in one spot? Do you really need to carry around that heavy binder, iPod, camera, extra shoes and all 4 of those lipstick tubes? Probably not, but we seem to get attached to having lots of "stuff" at our fingertips....just in case. Now that the bags seem to all be in oversize, we are even more tempted to fill 'er up. Every woman has heard the joke that we can carry everything but the kitchen sink in our bags. Have you been to a bridal shower and played the game to see how many random things you have in your bag? I never seem to win at that game and maybe that is a good thing.
A recent article in New York Times written by Courtney Sullivan reports a recent phenomenon relating female injuries to large, heavy purses. Amy Youner, a physical therapist at SportsCare, a rehabilitation clinic in Manhattan , refused to work with a client once she saw the size of her Sigerson Morrison handbag. The owner of the Morrison handbag, an editor for Details Magazine, was torn about what to do. Although she did decide to work with the physical therapist, she admits to leaving her bag at work on the way to her appointments. Massage therapists along with chiropractors also report an increase in shoulder pain, neck stiffness and headaches. Experts report that what they are seeing is very similar to children carrying heavy backpacks on one shoulder.
Since many women feel especially attached to their carryalls for convenience and fashion, what do you do if you do not want to give up your bag? Make sure to clean out your purse once a week and place the purse contents throughout the bag to distribute the weight evenly. Who does not try multi-tasking? Well, try to find an earpiece that works with your phone instead of talking on a cell phone with a lifted shoulder while carrying your bag. Also, keep the weight of the bag close to the center of the body and the strap close to the neck. You can also take anti-inflammatories, rest, use a smaller bag for a couple of days or invest in a regular massage session to reduce aches and pains. Another important injury prevention technque is to alternate carrying the bag on your right and left shoulders throughout the week.
While toting a smaller purse may not be realistic for you, adopt the above strategies to maintain your health. Taking a pilates or yoga class can also be a great way to appreciate observing your body throughout the day. We often have no idea the amount of stress we are placing on our bodies or what good posture really means. O.K., ladies, no more carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders!
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