Don't Be a Slouch: The Health Benefits of Good Posture

Carrying Your Bag

The oversize purse trend is still going strong -- and that's bad news for your body. "Constantly lugging a heavy bag on one shoulder can cause back misalignment over time," says Lara Licharowicz, a personal trainer at JF Gymnastique, in New York City.

Lug less stuff. If your shoulder starts to hurt after 10 minutes of toting your bag or if your neck or shoulders are sore at the end of the day, it's time to lighten up. The American Chiropractic Association recommends that you carry no more than 10 percent of your body weight (13 pounds if you weigh 130 pounds, for example).

Share the burden. Switch your purse from shoulder to shoulder frequently to avoid weighing down one side of your body, says Dr. Dave.

Take a load off. If you regularly carry heavy items like a laptop or books, give your shoulders a rest and buy a wheeled bag.