Health Tips A to Z

 Health Tips – Protect your joints at work and at home

• Arrange your work area to reduce lifting, walking or other painful movements
• Make sure you have good foot and back support when you sit. Your forearms and upper legs should be level with the floor
• Take a short stretch break every hour to ease painful joints. Try to alternate difficult tasks with easier ones
• Use special tools to reduce strain on your joints. Enlarged pencil grips, long-handled mops, a cart to carry groceries and other helpful aids will make your tasks easier
• Pace yourself – do the most important tasks at times of peak energy
• Use stronger, larger joints and muscles for carrying heavy loads
• Use wrist or forearm supports if you are working at a computer for long periods of time
• Install equipment in your car that will minimize discomfort. A backrest, special mirrors and steering wheel modifications will ease your commute

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
www.mayoclinic.com