Are you the designated Christmas decoration taker-downer? If the answer is yes, this post is for you to help with side-stepping the mad rush into your favorite physical therapy clinic this January.
- Slow down
There’s no reason to hurry when you are climbing up and down ladders. Also, ask a loved-one if you have any business climbing up and down ladders before starting. Chances are that if you’re asking someone that question, you really shouldn’t be doing it in the first place.
- Use a step-ladder
Most people know when they may have a little something-something brewing in one or both shoulders. Reaching overhead to take boxes down or put them away can be the disaster that takes you out of commission. Take an extra moment to grab a step stool or ladder to bring you up closer to the actual height of the shelving to reduce strain on the shoulders and back.
- Lift smart
Widen your feet when you bend down to lift something from the floor. This will naturally make you use your knees and hips more than if you didn’t. Also remember not to twist while lifting. Plan ahead and move other objects out of the way so that you have a clear space.
- Check your attitude
Holidays can sometimes bring out the worst in people. Maybe someone criticized your legendary fruitcake recipe. Cool-off or take a walk first before trying to clean-up anything you could break. People tend to move more on impulse when they are upset.
- Ask for help
Do you have some teenage neighbor boys that you could hire for helping you with the heavy lifting? If you feel that you really don’t need the help, at least ask a family member to spot you or assist with any awkward boxes or decorations.
There you have it! These suggestions all seem very common sense, however, not following the above recommendations can lead to some painful post-Christmas injuries that you don’t have time to deal with anyway. Someone wise once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”