I can read that quizzical look as you try to understand the correlation between bags and health. But let me assure you there are important ramifications which I will address here.
The first of the concerns is the ergonomics. We take our bags for granted and don’t think much before loading them with stuff. What I have observed is, we temporarily park an item in the bag and make a mental note to place it in its rightful place later. It often turns out that the mental note is of little use. And you can imagine what happens to the weight of the bag – it builds up gradually. This additional load goes unnoticed till the time it starts to bother us, in the form of orthopedic issues, most often affecting the neck, shoulder and spine. One tip to avoid this situation is to shun large sized bags. Last year there was this trend of mini bags, with most brands launching small versions of their most popular styles. They are not only look cute but are easier to manage content-wise and size-wise. It is also important to ensure the weight within the bag is well balanced and organizing your items within helps here.
Image Courtesy: http://myphysiosa.com.au/education/backpack-tips-children/
If you do have a need to carry heavier stuff, go for backpacks that distribute the weight across the spine and both shoulders. A general rule is to restrict the weight of your bag to 10% of your body weight. Beware – backpacks should not extend beyond your hips as you risk straining the back rather than taking advantage of its support. Backpacks also have options for padded straps that further reduce the chance of injury. This is also the reason to avoid handbags with thin straps as they are not padded and the weight can make the straps dig into your shoulders. Oprah’s team explains the reasons to go for short handles rather than long ones (unless they are long enough to be slung across the torso):
Long-strapped shoulder bags are out: They tug you to one side in a C shape, with the purse bumping at your hip and the strap slipping (so you hunch up your shoulder to keep it in place).
It also helps to have easy access to pouches on the exterior for frequently accessed items so that you don’t have to strain too much while hunting them down in the deeper recesses of the main compartment.
The other concern is something I came across recently and was rather shocked. I had heard of cosmetics containing dangerous levels of lead but there are reports pointing to high levels of this toxic metal in brightly colored bags! They are something we touch frequently throughout the day and hence inadvertently inject the metal into our bodies. It’s not only us we contaminate, but all those who we come in contact with. And we are all aware of the alarming biological effects of lead, from infertility to heart complications. The offenders are well known international brands. According to Generation Green, 65% of those tested in 2009 had dangerous levels of lead, whereas in 2012 it was down to 15%. That’s good progress but nothing to rejoice till it is brought down to zero. We, as consumers, have an important role to play in such important matters affecting global health. So far as we are aware, consciously avoid purchasing such bags and voice out against them, brands will be compelled to comply with the acceptable levels. A general cue is to avoid bright faux leather bags. Opt for natural materials – like cotton and pure leather.
Image Courtesy: thesoftlanding.com
Of course, the most common health hazard from bags comes when they go for long periods without a good cleaning. Natural materials like leather can be tricky to clean, hence the proverbial ‘prevention is better than cure‘ rings loud and clear. Do not place it just about anywhere and everywhere. Be particularly careful in public places like hospitals, washrooms etc. where there is good chance of germ infestation. There was a very uneasy report floating around last year, about the handbag having more germs than a commode.
Hope that was informative and helps us have a long healthy relationship with these accessories we love so much!
Bag in the featured image from here.
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