Media Release Feb 05 2008

It’s in the bag

It appears that we modern day women may be turning into turtles. Our handbags have become so big they could double as homes.

The widespread adoption of fashionably oversized bags is a result of women whose busy lifestyles and reliance on technology requires a bag big enough to carry a range of items now considered essential, including make-up, mobile phone, diary, eyewear, keys, digital camera, ipod and even a laptop computer.

If you have children you probably carry even more stuff tucked in your bag.

Gone are the days when the contents of a handbag consisted of a purse, keys, lipstick and tissues. Not surprisingly the contents of many women’s handbags weigh in excess of five kilograms.

The fashion forecast is that big bags are here to stay but what are the medical and postural implications?

“Handbags can foster poor posture as they encourage the carrier to lean to one side, impacting on balance, movement and posture,” explains Anne Osborne, Senior Physiotherapist specialising in back and neck pain at Royal North Shore Hospital.

Anne suggests reducing the total weight of your handbag and even leaving it at home.

”Instead carry the essentials such as money and a key in your pocket or a bum bag. If you must carry a heavy handbag, maintaining good posture with the bags strap across your body not over shoulder will help reduce strain. Head and shoulders should be aligned and upright,” Anne says.

For those who work away from home or who have busy lives that include the gym, social events or evening classes after work, carrying extra bags seems inevitable. Make lightweight clothing, footwear and umbrellas a priority. Insure you can navigate steps, footpaths and public transport safely.

Here are some suggestions for fighting handbag strain.
• Stand up straight. When standing your head, shoulders, hips and ankles should line up, one comfortably above the other. Your knees should be slightly bent and your feet ‘shoulder width’ apart
• Avoid carrying heavy bags for long periods of time. If this isn’t possible switch hands and / or shoulders every 10 minutes
• Carry the bag close to your body
• Avoid carrying handbags in the crook of your arm
• Just because your bag is big doesn’t mean it needs to be full
• Clean out your bag once a week
• If you are an older woman resist the urge to carry valuables with you for safekeeping. Heavy handbags can cause bruises on the arms and loss of balance. Find a safe place at home to leave precious jewellery or other items. Emulate the Queen and take only what you need for the day
• Look for smaller and lighter options of everyday items you carry in your bag such as perfume, hand cream, umbrellas
• Avoid bags with added accessories and “bling” such as chains and padlocks. They may look fabulous but amount to a larger weight
• Buy bags you can sling across your body so you disperse weight evenly
• Change the size and weight of your handbag often. Give shoulders a break and carry a clutch whenever possible

Media Contact: Kristen Bunyard 02 9926 7199 or 0413 025 742

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