Tips for staying well during the holidays -  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure…
With all of the tasks and errands to run you are probably not thinking about how to stay healthy during this season. There are some simple no fuss ways to avoid unnecessary injury.
Christmas Lights and Decorations – Hanging holiday decorations can be a perilous task. First, ask yourself if you feel comfortable on a ladder. If not ask someone else to hang them for you, or consider hanging lights in easy to reach places. If your holiday decorations are kept in a high place make sure you have someone to hand your boxed decorations to rather than trying to balance them and descend the ladder.  At the end of this holiday season, make sure that to pack decorations in easy to lift and light weight containers for next year.
Food Preparation – This can last for several hours up to several days. Remember that many things can be made in advance and frozen so that marathon cooking is kept to a minimum. This requires a great deal of planning so if you are more of a fly by the seat of your pants kinda chef, consider both standing and sitting on a high stool to avoid spending too much time in any one position. When standing, shifting your weight from one leg to the other is helpful to avoid excessive back fatigue.  Also a high stool can provide you with a much needed seated rest break for your back and legs.
Shopping – A very hectic and necessary chore. If you are purchasing a heavy item or many items the store will provide someone to help you carry your purchases out. If that is not automatically offered you can ask for it and they will happily provide it.  Avoid overloading yourself or lifting heavy items when there is help available. Most store employ seasonal help for the express purpose of helping their guests out with their purchases.  Make sure you are not carrying several heavy bags in one hand. This can cause a stretching injury to your nerves and make your arm or neck uncomfortable. Several trips with light loads are recommended.
Housekeeping – Deep cleaning of your home is often one of the holiday chores in anticipation of upcoming houseguests. Avoid spending more than two hours cleaning per day. This breaks up repetitive and physically taxing activities into small increments decreasing strain on your neck, back, knees and shoulders.
Food and Drink -  The holidays are rife with sweet or salty treats as well as caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.  You may experience increased urinary urgency and frequency during the holiday season after consuming holiday foods. Remember that keeping your bladder well hydrated with water is helpful for reducing the effects that these dietary irritants have on the bladder. Voiding every two hours or more is considered excessive and you may want to restrict chocolate, coffee, soda or other highly acidic food/drink to promote improved bladder filling and decreasing your risk of urge incontinence.

We sincerely hope these tips help you stay happy and healthy this holiday season!

Tags: Amber Carpenter, Health, Physical Therapy