When Fashion Hurts: Fashionable Health Hazards :

In Sex in the City, Carrie Bradshaw paraded around the streets of Manhattan in her sexy Manolo Blahniks looking every bit the fashionista diva. But what you didn’t know was that she likely had ugly crow’s feet and serious back pain to go with those killer heels.

While Carrie Bradshaw is just a sitcom character, she represents a growing number of trendy women who are unwittingly paying the high price of fashion with their health .

High-Heeled Hell
Wearing pumps can make any gal look sexy, but podiatrists say that wearing high heels long-term can cause not only back pain, but also foot problems. Experts say tall heels can cause back pain because when you walk in them, your body’s center of gravity is thrust forward, causing your forefoot to put serious stress on the joints and toes.

Podiatrists say that damage can be inflicted by high heels (including wide heels) by wearing them over a period of one day or four decades. The damage can vary from person to person. The word is… there’s no way to wear heels safely without risking physical damage. Good thing flats are in style.Get gorgeous all over -- from the top of your head to the tip of your high-heeled toes. Losing than extra weight can boost your confidence and make you feel even more beautiful than you already are! Click here for a free diet profile and find out how easy it can be!

The Purse suit of Back Pain
As far as trends go, when it comes to stylish purses, the bigger the bag, the better. The oversized handbag, popularized by high-profile celebrities like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is all the rage. But the cool accessories quickly can cause harm once you start to fill it up. Throw in a pair of sneakers, a few snacks, an umbrella and maybe even some bottled water and now you’ve got an over-shoulder recipe for muscle spasms.

Physicians report an increased number of neck strains and muscle pain directly linked to these monster-sized bags. Doctors say that an aggravated neck or shoulder can lead to upper back problems that will linger long after the purse is taken off the shoulder. Backpacks aren’t nearly as fashionable, but health experts say they’re safer than oversized bags.

Tans that Can Kill
It’s no secret that exposure to harmful UV rays can cause skin cancer, and most people are aware of the dangers of tanning outdoors. As a result, many sun worshippers have turned to indoor tanning beds thinking that this type of tanning is safe. Truth is, tanning bed bulbs give off UV rays like the sun. Exposure to these rays will not only damage your skin, making you look and feel leathery, but repeat exposure can also cause premature wrinkles, lines and crow’s feet. It can also damage your immune system.

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