Helpful Hints

• Bending at the navel and lifting with the back while turning at the same time can do major damage. Instead, bend at the hips, lift with legs, and then turn.
  
  
• Sitting in a non-adjustable chair with no lumbar support all day puts increased pressure on the spine. Hips and knees should be at a 90 degree angle. Visit www.osha.gov and search "Ergonomics"
  
  
• Wearing ill fitting shoes can cause loss of balance, increased pressure on joints and misalignment of the spine and pelvis. Poor shoe-to-foot alignment can result in premature knee and hip wear or cause increased susceptibility to lower back pain.
  
  
• Be properly hydrated. An active adult should drink six to eight glasses of water each day
  
  
• Incorporate strength training and stretching into your regular routine. Muscle aids in bone strength and assists in burning fat.
  
  
• After seeking necessary immediate medical attention for an injury, follow up with your primary care provider to ensure proper healing and if physical therapy may be beneficial.
  
  
• Get a good night's rest on a supportive mattress. On average, one-third of your day is spent in bed.
  
  
• Living with pain only means it will be more difficult to treat when "living with it" is no longer an option. Stop living with pain!