Exercise Ladder Safety – This might sound obvious or silly, but according to a study performed by the CDC, 43% of fall-related injuries during the holidays involve the use of a ladder! Make sure the legs are locked out and the base is secured before climbing. Avoid death by icicle lights.- Use Correct Body Mechanics While Lifting – Whether you’re lifting presents, boxes of decorations, or luggage, lifting mechanics should be the first thing you think of. Bend at the knees and use your big leg muscles to lift, not your back. Bending straight over to lift something can certainly end with someone have to lift you off of the floor along with that box. Also, do not over extend your reach and attempt to lift something. Bad combo.
- Travel Off Peak Hours – The last thing anyone wants or needs its to get into an accident during the holidays. The risk is already high and with the amount of people on the road, that risk increases just as such. Grandma may have gotten run over by a reindeer, but a car would have been much worse.
- Eat in Moderation – I get it, it’s definitely hard to control yourself when it comes to food around the holidays. So many options just asking to be eaten (or drank). Literally. Grandma’s gingerbread men may even start talking to you. My suggestion that I will find difficult to follow myself: try just a small amount of everything. A food coma is not a good thing!
- Stay Hydrated – Most of your favorite holiday foods are probably high in sodium. In addition, consuming alcohol may make your in-laws more bearable, but it also dehydrates you. Counteract salty foods and water-sucking alcohol by drinking plenty of water. You’ll thank yourself the next day.
- Get Your Steps In – A cookie here and some pastries there really do add up. Burn some extra calories and put your digestive system in gear by making sure you are walking enough! It will help you feel less stuffed, and maybe a little less guilty about having an extra cannoli.
- Don’t Let The Stress Build Up – The holidays are supposed to be a happy and joyous time. Relax and enjoy it. If you’re feeling stressed, periodicaly do some breathing exercises or physical activity. Exercise is clinically proven to reduce stress levels. Click Here for more on exercise and stress. A quick stop in our office can also serve as a de-stresser, and it’s not just seeing our pretty faces that gets the job done. Massage and chiropractic adjustments release the same feel-good endorphines that exercise does, and can rid you of that holiday stress bug! The effects of stress on your body are far too great to let something like seeing your aunt get to you. She probably makes really good christmas cookies anyway.