We Savvy Aunties love our purses. And if you’re like me, the two big questions I ask myself when purchasing a new bag or purse are shamefully basic: How many outfits will it match? And, will it hold everything I need to carry?
 
While we all sacrifice comfort sometimes for the sake of fashion (I can’t live without my pointed-toe work heels), purses and bags are something experts say we should never compromise on. In fact, research shows that pain and discomfort caused by carrying a purse that is too heavy or worn incorrectly can continue for months and even years in some cases.
 
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), heavy purses worn over one shoulder cause uneven weight distribution across the back muscles and may restrict blood flow at the shoulder.
 
“Pain may be described as pins and needles, tingling, stiffness, numbness, or tightness,” says Karen Jacobs, EdD, OTR/L, CPE, FAOTA, an occupational therapist in Boston who specializes in ergonomics. “Heavy purses and shoulder straps without padding place extra pressure on the nerves of the neck and shoulders and can result in pain in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.”
 
Luckily, aunts can make a few adjustments to limit pain and strain from carrying our belongings.
 
The problem: My purse is too heavy
We aunts have a lot of things that we need (or think we need) to get through the day: a pocketbook, keys, cell phone (sometimes one for personal use and one for work), hairbrush, styling products, make-up, mirror, medications, feminine hygiene products, and so much more. If you’re taking a day trip with your niece or nephew, the list of contents can grow exponentially: Sunscreen bottle and sunscreen stick, hats, extra clothes, car toys to keep them busy, portable video game or cell phone, and if they’re younger, baby items like wipes, diapers, and bottles can weigh you down.
 
If you’ve ever won “The Purse Game” at a party (the goal of the game is to see who has the most items on a list), then it might be time to rethink the items in your bag.
 
The solution: Prioritize the items inside
We need to think of our purse’s contents as the opposite of The Purse Game. When packing a purse, AOTA offers the following tips:

• Consider the necessity of the contents. Ask yourself if you can leave some items at home or in the car. Eliminate unnecessary duplicate contents, such as extra pens and lipsticks. When planning a day out with your niece or nephew that requires a change or clothes, leave the extras in the car and make a trip back if and when they’re needed.

• Wallet: Regularly empty your wallet of coins and receipts. Reduce the number of credit and bank cards you carry as many places can access your account without the proof of your card.

• Toiletries: Look for travel-size options for items such as lotions, make-up, and hand sanitizers. Carrying a 2-ounce bottle of lotion instead of the 8-ounce bottle will lighten your load. Consider a mini-First Aid kit when out with nieces and nephews. (Who really needs 50 bandages and a thermal wrap for a trip to an amusement park anyway?)

• Cell phone: Clip your cell phone to your waist. If possible on the weekends, remove your work cell phone from your purse. Assure older nieces and nephew that their cell phone will be just fine left at home and they can use your phone to make a call or text while you’re with them.

• Keys: How many keys are on your key ring? Do you need all of them to get through your day? If you can, leave keys you do not use on a regular basis at home. Keep your nieces and nephews’ keys in the car when traveling with them.

• Accessories: Limit the number of accessories in your purse. Keep extra things in the car, in your desk at work, or leave them at home.

• Medication: Request sample-sized medications or use smaller containers to hold pills and creams.
 
The problem: I’m unsure which style is best
If your shoulders and neck hurt, it might be from your purse. Most of us have never had to think about which purse is the most ergonomically correct and might be unsure where to start.
 
The Solution: Think about your body when selecting a purse
As a savvy auntie, you can be a role model to your niece when it comes to purses and bags. Explain to her why you chose your bag and why it’s important for her to be mindful of aches and pains that can be caused by some purses or heavy loads.
 
• Buy different sizes of purses for different occasions. The size of your purse should reflect specific activities. For short errands, try a small, compact purse. For day trips or long days out of the house, consider a small backpack or knapsack worn around the waist.

• Avoid heavily loading tote-style bags, which are worn over the shoulder. Save heavy items for bags with support straps, such as backpacks.

• Select a purse with built-in compartments. This will help to distribute the weight more evenly.

• Choose a handbag that is proportionate to your body size and no larger than what is needed.

• Avoid selecting purses made of heavy material such as leather, which adds extra weight. Instead, select handbags made of lighter materials, such as microfiber and fabric.

• Avoid thin and long straps. Try to find purses with straps that are wide and adjustable. Ensure that pressure caused by the straps does not cause discomfort to your shoulders or neck.
 
The problem: I need to carry something heavy in my bag
Sometimes, heavy loads are unavoidable. A day-trip with a niece or nephew may require carrying a super-stuffed diaper bag (who knew someone so little could require so many things!), or filling your purse with heavy Matchbox cars, Legos, snacks, or other kid-friendly items.
 
The solution: Think ahead when packing that bag

• Switch positions frequently to avoid fatigue from muscle overuse. Have an older niece or nephew? Take turns carrying the bag.

• Place the strap diagonally across the opposite shoulder to help distribute weight evenly across the back.

• Square your shoulders and avoid lifting your shoulders to keep the straps from slipping.

• Alternate shoulders by switching the bag from side to side.

• Consider resting your purse on a counter when standing at a checkout.

• Avoid carrying purses with your thumbs—this might cause excess pressure on the joints in your hands or fingers.

• Select miniature-sized items when possible. When packing water bottles or juice boxes for a day with nieces and nephews, consider smaller-sized containers. For younger kids, pack an empty sippy cup and fill it with water when you need it.

• Pack items systematically. Be sure that the heaviest, bulkiest items will be those pressed up against your body. This will help balance the weight and keep heavier items from dragging you to one side.
 
In addition to these tips for selecting, carrying, and packing a purse, AOTA offers tips for selecting, carrying, and packing backpacks and briefcases. Encourage nieces and nephews to be aware of the dangers of carrying a too-heavy backpack. AOTA’s National School Backpack Awareness Day will be celebrated Sept. 17, 2014. On this day and throughout September, occupational therapy practitioners, teachers, school nurses, and other health professionals will raise awareness of the long-term health effects that carrying overloaded backpacks can cause by holding backpack weigh-in events at schools, churches, and community centers. For more information on this annual campaign, click here.
 
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.

Photo: seandreilinger via Flickr cc
Published: July 29, 2014