Cleaning

Cleaning is never a fun task and is even less so when you are suffering from an injury. There are modifications that you can do to your cleaning routine that can prevent an injury from occurring and reduce the risk for flare-ups of pre-existing injuries. A general guideline to follow is to spread out the […]

Gardening

Gardening is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Heavy yard work such as raking improves your endurance and strength while other activities can improve and maintain flexibility. However, if you are not moving properly or if you are out of shape, working on your garden can cause strain to the back, […]

Posture

Posture is defined as, “the alignment or orientation of body segments while maintaining an upright position” (Fortin, Feldman, Cheriet, Labelle, 2011, p.367). What is poor posture? Poor posture is when the body is not in alignment. Signs of poor posture include but are not limited to rounded shoulders, a forward head position and/or a protruding […]

Winter Driving

We live in an area that experiences harsh winter driving conditions. Winter driving can be dangerous at times but our risk can certainly be reduced by following a few simple steps: Install four matching winter tires that are in good condition. All seasons are just not adequate for the amount of snowfall we experience in […]

Ergonomic Workstations

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) have been identified by the World Health Organization as a wide range of, “inflammatory and degenerative disease conditions…[that] can result in pain and functional impairment affecting the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands” (Boudreau Wright, 2003). Workers who have a high work strain, longer mouse and keyboard use, perceived high muscle […]

Lifting

What types of jobs require lifting? All jobs will require the lifting of an object, but some occupations require more lifting than others. An office manager will have to restock the paper in a photocopier every few weeks, a waitress will have to lift and carry several plates of food throughout their shift, and mailmen […]

Lifting for Health Pros

Why is it important to lift safely? The most important reason for lifting safely is to prevent back injuries. Common back injuries include strained muscles and herniated discs and both result in pain that can interfere with work and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs include going grocery shopping, vacuuming the living room and doing […]

Sleep

Why is Sleep Important Learning and memory: Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory Metabolism and weight: Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite. Safety: Sleep debt contributes to a greater tendency to […]

Fall Prevention

A Fall can lead to serious injury and even hospitalization or institutionalization. There are things we can do at home and otherwise to reduce our risk of falling! Common Causes of Falls Slippery floors Cluttered space and pathways in the home Loose rugs Transition strips of the change in height between different types of flooring […]

Snow Shoveling

Proper Practice Snow shoveling is physically demanding work and can be relentless during the Canadian winter months. During the winter season, snow clearing is a common and necessary part of most people’s daily routine. On a morning where it snowed over night, you would get up earlier than normal, get yourself ready, eat breakfast, pack […]