Avoid Injuries with Safe Body Movements

Even simple actions such as getting out of bed or bending over to tie your shoelaces – can put you at risk for injury far more easily than you may realize. Learning to move properly can reduce your risk for accidents and injuries.

Bending

Bending forward to tie your shoes or pick something up off the ground can stress your spine and potentially cause injury. To avoid this, squat down to reach your feet. Also, when picking items up off the floor, squat or kneel rather than bending at the waist.

Lifting

Incorrectly picking up heavy objects can be the perfect recipe for a back injury. Fortunately, learning proper lifting techniques is not difficult. First, keep whatever you are lifting close to your body, so you don't have to stretch out to reach it. Next, bend your knees to reach down and grab the object, keeping your back as straight as possible. Hold or carry the item between shoulder and waist level. If the object is too heavy, ask for help. Many workplaces require a two-person lift for objects over 50 pounds.

Standing

Taking time to stand properly can reduce your risk for falls. When getting out of bed, be sure to roll onto your side and push yourself up slowly, taking a moment to settle before you stand. Make sure both feet are firmly on the floor and grasp the edge of the bed or chair armrests to push yourself up.

Electronics

Due to the popularity of smartphones, texting is an increased part of everyday life. The slumped posture many assume when texting leads to neck, shoulder and back pain. To avoid injury, hold your smartphone at eye level. Looking for a way to read or work on your laptop without slumping? Place pillows on your lap as a way to raise your book or laptop to eye level.

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