Enjoy Your Summer Events Pain-Free
By Donna Stark
Although there aren't as many national holidays over the summer as there are toward the end of the year, that doesn't mean you won't be celebrating! From graduation parties to weddings to baby showers and birthdays, your summer calendar of fun could be filling up faster than you can blink. Unfortunately, in addition to all of that fun, these next few months can also be filled with a tremendous amount of pain if you aren't careful. So, before you get too involved with your events and activities this summer, let's go over some simple tips that will help keep your summer days as pain-free as possible!
Decorating
Decorating for a loved one's wedding, baby shower, birthday, or graduation party can be a lot of fun, as long as you don't hurt your back in the process. Keep the following tips in mind while you are beautifying the event's space.
- Proper lifting techniques - Bend at the knees, keep your back straight, hold the item close to your body, use your leg muscles to do most of the work, and avoid twisting at the waist. If you need to carry a lot of boxes back and forth, consider using a wagon or cart.
- Use the right tools - Don't try to stand on a stack of books that are balancing on a chair if you need to reach something high. Take the extra minute to grab a ladder or step stool.
- Ask for help - In addition to being more fun, having your family and friends help will also lessen the stress on your back and allow you to take a break.
Cooking
Cooking for a family or group event can be a ton of work but it can eventually lead to back pain if you don't take the proper steps. Try the following suggestions to help make this activity easier on your body.
- Posture - Whether you are chopping and prepping the food, cooking on the stove, or standing over a grill, keep your posture in check. Keep your back and head in neutral positions and avoid hunching over as much as you can.
- Position - The best way to maintain good balance while cooking is to keep your back straight and your feet shoulder-width apart. If you need to lift things out of the oven, pull the rack out first and avoid any unnecessary twists to the body.
- Rest - Cooking and baking all day can be hard on the body so take frequent breaks and try not to get too stressed out. Ask for help, and if there is any part of the process that you can do while sitting, do so!
Enjoying Your Summer Events
Summer is meant for family, friends, and fun, so don't risk missing any of it by getting hurt. Follow the simple tips above to ensure pain-free events in the weeks ahead!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spartanburg, S.C.