Health Tip: Shopping Can Strain Your Back

(HealthDay News) -- The holiday shopping season may be over, but there are plenty of after-holiday sales to go around. It may seem like a simple activity, but shopping can put a lot of strain on your body, especially your back.

Here''s a list of shopping tips, courtesy of the American Physical Therapy Association:

• Distribute the weight of your shopping bags equally on both sides of your body to maintain your balance.
• Don''t carry a heavy purse. If using a backpack, use both straps. Also, keep your back straight to keep the strain off your shoulders.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Dont lug oversized bags over a long period. Make repeat trips to your car.
• Use a shopping cart.

-- Kimberly Sferruzzo

Last Updated: Dec. 4, 2006