Lighten your load

(CBS4)

A recent study discovered that today's women carry twice as much in their handbags as their mothers did.

While previous generations might have carried a wallet, lipstick, and keys, today's women frequently carry everything from cell phones to bottled water.

And even though big handbags are the latest rage, enabling women to carry lots of stuff, they could cause significant health problems.

Joanna Coles highlighted those problems in Marie Claire magazine.

Coles, the magazine's editor in chief, discussed the situation on "The Early Show" on Monday.

Today's woman is often "super-woman" - mom, partner, business person, host, friend, and more. She isn't leading the life of yester-year. Her life, like her purse, is over-crowded and full. And she "needs" and "wants" a large purse.

Designers conscious of this have turned out some amazing oversized bags and have turned them into the "it" bag.

In general, what makes these bags weigh a lot is the thickness of the leather, the hardware, and even the interior pockets' lining. These are things to watch out for when purchasing a bag. One of the drawbacks about the designer bags is that many of the more expensive ones have more ornate detailing or thicker leather, and so are considerably heavier.

Celebrities have grabbed hold of the trend. Take Nicole Richie, for instance: Half the time, you're not sure who's bigger or weighs more - her or her bag.

Since large handbags are fashionable, with bargain brands and expensive labels alike offering the bulky bags, and since they're roomy, they can tempt women to carry along those extra sneakers to walk on a lunch break, an umbrella in case of a sudden shower, or even a stock of snacks or a bottle of water.

But, says Coles, just because the space is there doesn't mean women really need to use all of it.

Trouble is - a cool accessory is turning into muscle mayhem.

Many women are complaining of neck, shoulder and back pain. Physical therapists claim an aggravated neck or shoulder can lead to upper-back problems, from which pain can be felt long after the purse is back on the coat rack. The pain can be felt, they explain, while playing sports, exercising, or even working at the computer.

Other symptoms that your bag is too heavy and creating problems could include tingling fingers and headaches.

Experts suggest avoiding bags that weigh more than three pounds, and say the ideal bag should weigh two pounds, total - yes - total! That doesn't seem possible, partially because most of the new, fashionable bags weigh more than three pounds empty!

The absolute maximum should be no more than 10 percent of your body weight, experts emphasize which would mean, for instance, a maximum of 13 pounds if you weigh 130 pounds.

If you have to follow the trend, Coles say, try to buy a big bag, made from light material. Also, experts say to try exercising and stretching your neck throughout the day. Try to avoid overloading your bag. You don't need your entire kitchen sink with you! And try to change the shoulder on which you carry your big bag every ten-to-15 minutes if you're walking around.