Back Issues

No, I’m not talking about past posts. I’m talking about your back (not really, I’m talking about mine!). You have to be careful about lifting heavy objects. I know that!

I know how to lift properly. Yes, I do. I had to learn that more than thirty years ago when I worked in a nursing home. The first thing we were taught was how to lift the patients properly, so we wouldn’t strain our backs. I guess the nursing home owners didn’t want to have to pay out any workman’s compensation. We actually took lessons in lifting.

Here’s what I know about lifting heavy stuff. Get a guy to do it, whenever you can. If no guy is around, then remember these rules:

• Keep your feet set wide (shoulder width) with one foot slightly ahead of the other. This helps you maintain your balance.
• Squat to lift or lower a heavy object.
• Keep your back straight, with your chest out, and your shoulders back. This will help keep you from “bowing” your back.
• Look straight ahead when you lift or lower an object.
• Don’t hold your breath while you lift or lower!
• Don’t bend at the waist.
• Keep the weight you are lifting close to your body.
• Don’t jerk or twist as you lift or lower, but move slowly.

See, I told you I know how to lift. Now, somebody tell me why I didn’t remember this today!! My back is out of whack. It hurts to sit for very long. It’s painful to stand for any length of time. And, I’m too dadgum stubborn to give up and lie down.

And, I was gonna get so much accomplished today.

Other posts you might enjoy:

1. The Potter’s Hands
2. My “Cholesterol Fix”
3. Feeling My Oats
4. Smooth Sailing
5. Cast Iron Skillets–they’ve been on the “back burner”

Tagged as: health, properly lifting weight