The Leader

If a woman is going to carry a handbag with her to school, work, etc., why not consider sporting a designer handbag? The handbag may look stylish as all get out; however what she (and sometimes he) should consider is what the latest trend could do to their health.

Since designers have combined briefcases with handbags and straps have elongated over the years, bags for women are becoming heavier and bigger which can cause tension on the neck, shoulders, and back.  Some women, and including men, have been carrying as much as 10 pounds of style and flair on their bodies.

“If a bag or briefcase becomes too heavy it can cause imbalances in the spine and cause damage,” stated chiropractor, Dr. Kent McLeod of the Chiropractic Care Center on north Farwell. “Eventually the added weight will affect neck muscles,” added McLeod.

Tension on the neck or shoulder can lead to back problems, including poor posture. In addition, the tension may be felt at places such as work, school, or during recreation.

To remedy this hazard, the love for these ostentatious effects could stop, to prevent both a hole in pockets and in the spine as well. On the other hand, designers could continue their desire of jazzing up totes and include a caution tag warning patrons that he or she may endure potential neck and shoulder danger. Also, those carrying such handbags could relieve or prevent complications by repetition. “Switch hands and/or shoulders,” McLeod stated.

People could downsize and carry smaller purses and/or bags. "The extra-large purses are quite phenomenal. They look beautiful when the women wear them, but I don't know how aware they are of the potential problems," Texas physical therapist William Case said.

Perhaps these women and men never consider how much weight their grandeur satchel will be because they are accustomed to carrying weight that heavy since childhood. Children have been recommended to carry no more than 10 to 15 percent of their body weight in their backpacks. However, just how much of that is affected by a pile of books, a lunchbox, utensils, and in cases accessories such as music players, wallets, etc.

The sight of backpacks, on the contrary, has been downsizing. Apparently the trend of messenger bags and one-shoulder backpacks are plaguing the shoulders and backs of many adults and students. Their main reason for displaying newly designed bags is solely for vanity, minus the possibilities of what the bag may do for him or her besides make them look more appealing. 

“I simply buy what is in,” freshman Mary Sbertoli chuckled.

Even though designers are making handbags look better than the last, try not to forget the idea that healthy backs, necks, and shoulders are also going out of style. It may not be a serious problem to some women, yet not every girl wants to sport a designer handbag while looking very slump as she walks. Surely back pain and poor posture is the last thing on fashion designers’ minds, right?

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