HealthyLife Articles

Tag: lifting

  • Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders

    Work Life

    Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) affect muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, ligaments, cartilage, and discs in the spine. They do not result from slips, falls, or similar accidents. Common Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. These are caused by:

    *  Repeating the same motion. This can result in Repetitive Motion Injuries.

    *  Awkward or static postures

    *  Using a great deal of force to do a job

    *  Vibration

    WMSDs can be prevented or reduced using ergonomics. This is the science of fitting the job to the worker.

    One way to prevent and deal with WMSDs is to use proper workstation positions.

    Other Workstation Proper Positions

    *  Keep your head upright and your ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line.

    *  Keep your work within reach without having to stretch or strain your arms, shoulders, or back. Don’t stretch to reach items on an assembly line. Wait for the items to reach you.

    *  Change positions or tasks often. This avoids repeated stress on a single body part.

    *  Use the proper tools for the job. Use tools made to reduce vibration and/or pressure, if needed.

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Scoop On Shoveling

    WELL-BEING

    Image of man shoveling snow.

    Push the snow, dress in layers, and warm up first are sensible rules for shoveling snow. Here are some guidelines you may not know:

    *  Avoid caffeine or nicotine before shoveling, especially if you have a history of or are at high risk for a heart attack. These stimulants may increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict, which places extra stress on the heart. If you have a heart condition, respiratory issues, or back problems, check with your doctor before doing any shoveling.

    *  Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

    *  Try to shovel fresh snow, before it becomes packed or refrozen. It may be helpful to shovel a few times during a snowfall rather than waiting until the storm ends when the snow is deeper and heavier.

    *  Switch hands periodically and alternate the side to which you are throwing snow to more evenly distribute the work load and repetitive muscle use.

    *  Use a sturdy snow shovel that has open ends to allow you to easily toss the snow off to the side.

    *  Pace yourself. Be sure to take frequent breaks to rest and avoid overexertion. Exhaustion can make you more susceptible to injury, hypothermia, and frostbite.

    Most important:

    If you begin to experience any pain in your chest, arm or neck, shortness of breath or profuse sweating, stop shoveling immediately and seek emergency medical attention.

    [Source: Kessler Institute]

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine