Dos and Don’ts of Lifting, Part 1

If you want to avoid hurting your back when lifting, here are some pointers:

Don’ts:

• Don’t lift a load that’s too heavy.
• Don’t bend at the waist to pick up objects.
• Don’t arch your back when lifting or carrying anything.
• Don’t twist your spine when holding an object. Instead, turn your whole body, head to toe, in the direction you’re headed.
• Don’t lift heavy objects over your head.
• Don’t lift quickly or with a jerking movement.
• Don’t lift unbalanced loads (namely, a light load in one arm and a heavy one in the other). Divide the weight evenly.
• Don’t try to lift a object (like a child) with one arm while holding on to something else (like a grocery bag) with the other.  Put one down or lift both objects simultaneously.
• Don’t lift anything heavy if your footing isn’t secure or if you’re wearing high heels.
• Don’t lift with your feet too close together. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, for stability.
• Don’t lift if you’re experiencing pain.
• Don’t lift if you have a history of back trouble.

Next week we shall discuss the Dos. – J.P.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com