Protect Your Jointsby Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 21 Jun 2006 11:47 AM There are a lot of little ways to help keep your joints strong and healthy!
- Carry your purse or laptop bag with the strap diagonally across your chest, rather than grasping the handles with your fingers, which can be a strain on your fingers and wrists.
- Purposely pick a smaller purse so you won't load it down with everything but the kitchen sink.
- Instead of cradling the phone between your shoulder and ear (which can be a strain on your neck and shoulder) use a speakerphone or pick up a headset.
- Use a can opener or a jar opener to save your hand joints from stress when opening cans, jars, and bottles.
- Transport large packages by cradling them close to your body -- this helps to distribute the weight more evenly.
- Pick paper over plastic at the food store. Carrying those plastic bags puts a large strain on finger and wrist joints.
- Switch your old scissors for a pair of spring loaded scissors that pop open after you cut. This will reduce pressure on your thumb joint.
- Swap your sponge for a long-handled scrubber to reduce twisting and turning while you do the dishes.
- Pick cleaning tools with long handles to reduce your need to bend.
- Push vacuums and mops with your full weight, not just the strength of your wrists and arms.
- Choose a desk chair with good back support, or add a lumbar cushion.
- Position your chair and desk so that your hips and knees are at a 90 degree angle.
- Position your chair and desk so that your arms are bent at right angles and your wrists are straight when typing.
For those of us who do a lot of computer work at home or at the office, pay special attention to numbers 11, 12, and 13 on the list above. The wrong angle can leave you in some serious pain.
arthritis, joints, joint health, joint pain
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