It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Unless you are suffering from joint pain, back pain, or other body pain! So Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics would like to share – in non-surgical ortho style –  our twelve days of Christmas safety tips in our own merry way!

On the First Day of Christmas – Decorating

Take care while decorating your house or tree. Never lug heavy items around on your own. Make sure when you are lifting and moving anything that you are not using your back to do all the heavy lifting. Remember to bend your knees, and keep your back straight as you lift.

On the Second Day of Christmas – Partying

These can often leave you feeling a little tired and washed out, no matter how much fun they may be. Our best advice is to give yourself some time off wherever you can. Choose to attend events you really value and politely decline the events that are not on that list. 

On the Third Day of Christmas – Shopping

Get what you can online rather than fighting the crowds. It is still important to adopt a good posture while working online. Make sure you are sitting on a chair with a good back support and that the screen you are using is as close to eye level as possible.

On the Fourth Day of Christmas – Wrapping

It is just as important to look after your posture while doing a seasonal task such as gift wrapping as it is while doing everyday tasks. While gift wrapping, try to break up the task; do some of it while seated on a chair with good back support and then some while standing using a surface at about hip height. 

On the Fifth Day of Christmas – Eating

As with all things, moderation is key. It’s perfectly alright to enjoy the foods of the holidays-, that’s part of what makes it so enjoyable. Try to remember to use moderation and to balance sugars and fats with nutritious options. 

On the Sixth Day of Christmas – Couch Potatoes

Movies, conversation, relaxing by the fire… all beautiful parts of the holidays. But try to stay as physically active as you can during this time. Sometimes that couch looks better than the treadmill, but don’t let it fool you! That couch, over time, can be more dangerous than pulling a muscle on a run.

On the Seventh Day of Christmas – Table Time

Setting the table might not seem like a task that could cause you injury, but it does put the body into positions that make the back vulnerable to injury. Surprisingly, it is one of those “strange position” type injuries that can affect your back. If you need to reach to the middle of a table for instance, stabilize and support yourself with one hand on the table or a nearby chair.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas – Cooking

Like table setting, cooking has similar hidden injury potentials. If your oven is lower than counter level, bend both knees, push your bottom out and keep your back straight as you put food in the oven and when you take it out. If your oven is higher than counter level, hold the item close to your body, with feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent, and squeeze your belly towards your spine as you lift.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas – Cleaning

Cleanup is a necessary evil- the dishes, the cooking, moving around furniture, making beds, the list goes on. These normal activities at the holidays are heightened in intensity by the desire to get it done quickly. Take your time! Use the same lifting techniques as when doing everything else and simply slow down. Joints and muscles will appreciate it.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas – Ice, Ice, Baby

The Chattanooga, north Georgia area is not often plagued with snow and ice, but it happens at times around the holidays. Ice can be a major injury creator. Remember not to overload yourself with shopping bags and goodies so much so that you cannot clearly see where you are walking. If weather becomes an issue, again, slowing down can make the difference and avoid a fall.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas – A Helping of Stress

Stress can be unavoidable for some during the holidays. When you are feeling overwhelmed, take 5 long deep breaths. Breathe in for the count of 4 and then breathe out for the count of 4. Repeat this as many times a day as you need. The extra oxygen will help you feel calmer and more energized.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas – Joy

Take time this holiday to step back, take a moment (or several) to take-in the season. Family, friends, gift giving, lights, candles and all the sparkle of the time. Consider the reason for the season and find joy in the little things!

#bestinchattanooga