Health Tip: Lifting Safety for Caregivers
(HealthDay News) -- If you are caring for an ill or injured loved one, you could be at risk for serious injury yourself if your daily routine includes a lot of heavy lifting.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions for caregivers to help prevent injury:
When lifting a person or heavy object:
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Keep your head and neck in line with your spine.
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Don't force your spine into awkward positions, and avoid bending at the waist.
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Don't twist yourself when lifting or carrying.
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Hold the loved one or object close to your body.
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Don't stand with your feet too close together. Keep them about the width of your shoulders apart.
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Lift with your legs, not your back.
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If the person or object is too heavy to lift, ask someone else for help.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sylvia Byrd, RN, BSN, MBA
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith, RN, MSN, FNP, CCRC
Last Annual Review Date:
3/18/2009