And now, the Healthy Back Bag

MANILA, Philippines - Everyone has a bag. “Not just one bag but multiple bags,” says Nancy Evans, director of global business development, at the recent launch of the Healthy Back Bag, which was held by The Travel Club at the Shangri-La Plaza, EDSA-Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City. From high-end luxury brands to no-brand bags, “it’s a world of sameness,” she says. “Bags have become a commodity. When you have a proprietary, unique item, then it becomes special again, such as the Healthy Back Bag. It is unique not only in its design but also in its function.”

Evans explains, “The magic is in the shape of the bag. The asymmetrical shape is described as a teardrop or a water drop. The one-strap Healthy Back Bag contours to the natural curve of the spine, making what would seemingly be a heavy load feel significantly lighter. “Because of its patented teardrop shape, the weight is distributed throughout the entire length of the bag, and not just at the bottom, so there is less stress on the shoulder and the back.”

Eight out of 10 people will develop back problems or lower back pain sometime in their life. This was revealed by Dr. Jojo Gaddi, general orthopedics, arthroscopy, and sports medicine specialist from St. Luke’s Medical Center. This usually develops secondary to improper lifting techniques. A sudden motion can hurt your back. The simple act of picking up something from the floor in a wrong way can result in injury or back pain.

Did you know that schoolchildren who carry their books in a backpack basically carry one-third of their weight? Carrying a heavy bag can cause strain on the shoulders and neck.

While backpacks are said to provide a healthy way of carrying a heavy load, most people do not wear them the way they were designed to be worn. More often than not, we see backpacks hanging from only one shoulder, rather than securely carried using both straps, which defeats its purpose.

Give your back a break: A healthy alternative to a backpack, the one-strap Healthy Back Bag contours to the natural curve of the spine, making what would seemingly be a heavy load feel significantly lighter.

“The Healthy Back Bag is a one-strap healthy alternative to a backpack,” Evans remarks. “Its clever bag design not only looks good but also feels good.”

There are two ways to wear the Healthy Back Bag — on either shoulder across the back or across the chest. This enables the user easy access to its contents with no need to take the bag off. Its non-slip strap lining prevents it from slipping from the shoulder, which is common with shoulder bags.

Inside the bag, there are pockets that are angled for easy access as well as organization. All the bags have a silver lining that makes it easier for you to see inside, making rummaging through your things stress-free. The full-length double zip means you don’t have to open the whole bag in order to get only what you need.

The Healthy Back Bag comes in one unique shape but many sizes, fabrics, and colors. “We have a wide range from entry level distressed nylon which is sporty, machine washable, and lightweight, to micro fiber which is a little more sophisticated and dressy, and leather which is luxurious. We have collaborations with high-end textile designers.”

To suit the smaller Asian frame, the Healthy Back Bag is available in small and medium sizes, as well as a baglet, which can also fit inside the bag.

The Travel Club, which recently relocated to a new and better location at Level 1 of Shangri-La Mall, is the first to carry the latest new import from the US, the Healthy Back Bag.

“It is our mission-vision to bring the world closer to our customers,” says Joni Yu-Lim, AVP and special business unit head. The Travel Club has stores located nationwide; the latest to open was at Ayala’s Abreeza Mall in Davao City.

It’s in the bag: Nancy Evans, global director of business development, The Travel Club, with Dr. Jojo Gaddi, sports medicine specialist, St. Luke’s Medical Center at the launch of the Healthy Back Bag.

“The Healthy Back Bag is a bag you carry with you everywhere, as opposed to a bag you would carry only to work. It becomes part of your body,” Evan says. “I think people have an emotional connection to their bags, that’s why we have so many bags in our closets.”

The Healthy Back Bag is exclusively distributed by the Primer Group of Companies at all Travel Club stores nationwide. For complete store listings, visit www.primergrp.com and the Travel Club’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thetravelclubphilippines.