PROPER LIFTING

We lift things every day, from our groceries to our kids.  Even though we might not think about proper form, there are distinct ways we should go about doing it.

*Bend knees and engage our abs.  Do not bend at the waist.

*Don’t lift anything more that 20% of our body weight.

*Keep the object you’re lifting close to your chest.  Don’t stretch your arms out in front of you while lifting.

STRETCHING

We need to always stretch our muscles before any kind of activity.  Even something as simple as gardening can be taxing on our backs.  Taking 5 minutes to stretch in the morning does wonders for our body.

HOLDING BABIES/KIDS

The greatest feeling a parent can have is holding their child close.  Even when they’re 6 or 7, they love to be picked up and cuddled.  Aside from the proper lifting techniques, we need to remember to switch hips when holding our little bundles of joy.  Holding on one side only can lead to bad posture and chronic bad pain.  Sometimes it can even cause injury.

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Our bodies are made of mostly water.  And drinking plenty of it keeps us fluid.  A dehydrated body is a stiff one.  And that can enable injuries to happen.

WALK IT OFF

If you sit all day at your day job, remember to take breaks often and walk around.  You need to keep the circulation going throughout your body.  Also, consider buying an inexpensive back supporter for your chair.  Your back will thank you.

Practicing good techniques will keep you out of pain and (hopefully) out of the hospital.  Our backs are central to everything else in our body.  It’s good to treat them with some respect.

Stay tuned as I’ll be writing articles on health and news centered on physical health as well as some local tidbits about our beautiful city.  Cheers!