Christmas Decorating Done the Safe Way
By Brandi Goodman
Decorating for Christmas should be done with caution. You don't want to throw out your back hauling in the freshly cut Christmas tree and be unable to enjoy the rest of the year's festivities. Consider safety in all the decorating you plan to do for this holiday and the others to follow.
Use Two People to Haul the Tree
Never haul the Christmas tree yourself. It's important to have at least two people -- really more -- so you can all safely carry the tree together. Be sure each of you is bending at the knees and using your legs to lift the weight of the tree rather than bending at the waist and using your back.
Buy a Back Brace
If you already have trouble with your back it's especially helpful to wear a back brace. It will help to keep your spine straight so you aren't able to do much twisting or bending -- two things you shouldn't ever do with your back anyways. You could easily hurt yourself by making one wrong move. Braces are also available for your knees and shoulders if these are areas you tend to experience discomfort.
Utilize a Stepladder
Even if it's possible for you to reach the top of the tree to place a star or hang lights from a low-hanging ceiling, it doesn't mean you should. Having to stand on your tiptoes and extend yourself past your usual ability does not mean you can truly reach it. You could end up pulling a muscle or causing yourself pain by doing so. Utilize a stepladder for anything you can't get to without the need to struggle.
Test Your Lights First
Too many people hang up their lights without testing them first. If you wait, you'll have to go back up to attempt to find the problem and get it fixed. It's an easy time for a fall. Test your lights first before you ever hang them up so you aren't having to go back up to them later. Be sure someone is with you as well so you can hang the lights together easier.
Always consider safety when doing any decorating -- Christmas or otherwise. Whether you're putting up holiday decorations or just putting your personal touches on your home, using caution is always advised. If you do happen to injure yourself or end up with an ache, visit The Joint Chiropractic at one of their nearly 500 clinics for an assessment.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, Fla.