Lifting During The Holidays

No one wants to spend their holidays suffering from a preventable injury! Some of the most common injuries we see come from trying to lift something, like a heavy turkey from the oven or Christmas tree onto a car, and not using proper techniques. Thankfully, remembering some easy tips can help keep you from missing any of the holiday festivities:

Examine the area and make sure the path you will use for carrying the item is clear. Plan carefully how you will transport the item you are lifting. 

Plant your feet wider than your shoulders. This will helps keep weight off your low back.

Bend at the knees. Your legs are much stronger than your back and should be the muscles doing most of the work. 

Keep your abs tight. This helps brace your back to protect it during the lift.

Hold the item close to your body. The further away the item is from your body, the more like it can cause you to strain a muscle.

Look straight ahead. Keeping your head up will help you move in the proper way.

Ask for help. Even if you think you can lift something on your own, it never is a bad idea to make it easier.

Following these tips should keep you from hurting yourself, so you can focus on having fun this holiday season!