life & style // no. 12 Tote-ally unhealthy > The bare bones of the backbone damage that comes with using tote bags Jessica Berget Editor-in-Chief Te bags can be cute and casual to use if you're not carrying much. However, using them too often and too long can lead to serious back, shoulder, and neck problems. And there’s nothing cute or casual about muscle or spine damage. I used to carry a tote bag around with me everywhere. Since my previous backpack had broken and I was both too stubborn and stupid to get another one, the tote was my catch all for carrying my necessities around on the daily. I practically carried my whole life on my shoulder: my laptop, books, binders, wallet, keys, and extra clothes. I knew carrying something this heavy on my shoulder everyday was not good for my body. I even noticed I would often lean on the side my bag was carried on, but that realization didn’t happen until Tread about the harmful side effects of using side bags. After I noticed the discomfort I was experiencing, | took it seriously. Not only is it uncomfortable at times, it can really mess up your back and shoulders and those precious and vital parts of your body. As reported by ABC News, 85 percent of American students have back problems related to the weight of the bags they carry to class every week. It is noted that the most common discomfort was in the shoulders, lower and upper middle back, and the neck. We know the damage backpacks can do, but what about tote bags? Since they usually sit on our shoulders, we can assume that overtime side bags can also cause significant damage in your shoulders, neck, and possibly curve your There's nothing cute or casual about muscle or spine damage. back as it puts all the weight on one side. After using my tote bag for about a month, I noticed a significant pain in the shoulder I carried my bag on—a throbbing and dull pain that would come and go. After noticing this, and not wanting to pay hundreds in chiropractic fees in the future, I knew it was time to get a real backpack. Walking around Douglas College, I notice that many students opt to use shoulder bags as their every day essential. It may seem like common knowledge, but not many people are actually aware of the damage it can do. In an article by Who What Wear, Chiropractor Gopal Cabrera weighs in on the harmful effects of using totes. theotherpress.ca “The increased weight of hanging off your shoulder may cause your upper trapezius muscle to start to shrug as your shoulder adapts to the increased load. Since this muscle attaches onto the base of the skull and extends the whole length of your neck, it has the potential to cause not only neck pain but also tension headaches, and over time with increased use can lead to a straightening of the natural backward C-shaped curve in your neck. This change in shape alters the weight distribution of the discs, putting more pressure on the joints leading to inflammation, osteoarthritis, and nerve compression.” Tote bags can be cute and easy to carry and can be tempting due to such a wide variety of designs and sassy sayings. However, they may also be the main cause of a student’s back and shoulder pain. Instead of using tote bags, get a backpack that distributes weight evenly. Or, if you have to, at least switch sides. Houseplants are the new pets » Adopt a plant baby today! Michele Provenzano Staff Writer hether it’s due to a desire to connect with nature and its stress-relieving aspects, or simply to achieve the plant- filled home aesthetic, modern people sure have an affinity for green-leafed friends. Houseplants have risen in popularity in the last few years, especially with millennials. There’s most likely a plant mom in your circle of friends. There are many reasons to have houseplants: they may make you healthier and happier, their greenery is known to promote feelings of relaxation, and furnishing your home with indoor plants is an easy way to bring the soothing Illustration by Cara Seccafien effects of nature into your busy, urban life. Additionally, spending time among plants can lower your blood pressure and help you concentrate, according to an article by NBCNews. A study published in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has also shown that merely looking at photos of greenery can reduce stress. Houseplants are more than leafy mood-boosters, as NASA research suggests that houseplants can drastically reduce the number of toxins in the air due to the certain compounds they release. Plants are an easy way to potentially boost your overall health. Seeing as it’s almost winter, you may be wondering if it’s a good time to start your plant collection. Have no fear—there are plenty of plants that even a beginner plant guardian can easily take care of throughout the off-season. What specific plant varieties would be easiest to start with? Cacti (and all other succulents) are wonderfully low- maintenance options. These plants seldom need to be watered as they’re capable of storing hydration and nutrients. Aside from providing bright light and adequate drainage, these plants basically take care of themselves. The snake plant (another succulent) is another common recommendation for beginners. This plant can grow in sun or partial shade, and it isn't too picky about watering habits. The Chinese evergreen plant is also extremely adaptable and can thrive in almost any condition. Another recommendation is the Pothos—a trailing plant that can grow up to ten feet. This plant type has many varieties and will survive in many levels of light or lack thereof. Different types of plants are going to have different needs. I can’t outline the exact care requirements for each specific type of plant—there is plenty of information online for each species—but here are some general plant care tips to remember, especially for the winter season. Plants need food and water, but with much less frequency in the winter as they grow slower during these months. Avoid over-watering: a common winter issue which can lead to root rot. Some succulents are drought tolerant and may not need watering at all. During winter, houseplants may not need to be fed much fertilizer either but be sure to feed once spring comes. Like most living things, plants like to be warm. As they don't like cold drafts, houseplants ideally shouldn't be placed near a doorway or window. Plants also enjoy humidity. If you have a humidifier, place plants in the same room as it. If not, keeping plants in a bathroom or kitchen can provide adequate humidity. Grouping plants together will benefit them, as the water they release can be taken in by the other plants. The placement of your houseplants is important. During winter, it’s crucial to keep plants in the most well-lit area available. Also, plants shouldn't be placed next to a heat source such as an oven, fireplace, radiator, or electronic device. Fluctuations in temperature make houseplants unhappy. If you're looking to pick up a houseplant or two, a few shops I'd recommend would be GardenWorks at Mandeville in South Burnaby, and Trendybucks in East Vancouver. Good luck taking care of your future plant family!