Bend your knees to lift with ease

Bend your knees to lift with ease

By Dr. George I. Traitses

From moving planters to picking up paint cans, lifting correctly is key to preventing injury. Here are a few tried and true rules for lifting safely and preventing back injury.

• Stand close to the load to be lifted.

• Place your feet shoulder-width apart.

• Bend your knees and keep your back straight.

• Squat down to the level of the object and test the weight of the load.

• Ask for help if the load is too heavy or awkward!

• Use the strength of your leg and arm muscles (not your back) to smoothly and slowly lift the load. Try not to jerk when lifting.

• Keep the load close to your body.

• Pivot to turn in the direction you want to move toward.

• Avoid twisting your body while turning and carrying the load.

• Bend your knees and slowly lower the load to its new location.

For more information on health and safety visit the Ontario Chiropractic Association, a voluntary professional association whose mission is to serve our members and the public by advancing the understanding and use of chiropractic care; www.chiropractic.on.ca or call 1877-327-2273; Dr. George Traitses, 416-499-5656, www.infinite-health.com