It’s useful to remind ourselves that injuries not only happen from athletic events or traumatic car crashes–they can develop over time or happen quickly in the home. Fortunately, by keeping some simple habits and an awareness of the physical toll certain activities have on the body, we can keep ourselves in good shape for a long time.
 

Every day

First of all, there are some habits that everyone should employ every day. One habit is good posture. This means keeping bones, joints, and muscles in their proper alignment. It makes the body operate more efficiently, reducing muscle and ligament strain and potential back problems. But good posture isn’t just reversing a slump; it’s also unhealthy to puff out your chest too far and stick out your tailbone, causing a sway and lumbar strain. For best posture, imagine a string from the top of your head, pulling you up. Tuck in your lower abdomen and roll your shoulders back.
Every day, you should stretch. This is true whether you are physically active all day or sitting all day. It is just as important to body function as regular exercise. It prevents injury and increases blood flow and the delivery of nutrients throughout the body, which in turn aids stamina.
 

An active day

If you work in a physically demanding job, it’s essential that you not only maintain universally-useful health tools, but also that you know any hazards specific to your line of work and take precautions against them. If you work in construction or millwrighting, the nature of your work may cause you to have minor injuries such as strains and bruises. Have a first aid kit at the ready, make sure the muscles you use regularly are stretched, and do regular compensatory exercises to maintain a balanced musculature. Additionally, if you work with a rigging company with high safety standards, your chances of accident are much lower. So make sure your employer follows all regulations!
 

A sedentary day

Even if your job is desk work, though, you may face injuries down the line. Carpal tunnel, back problems, and eye strain are just a few problems office workers face. Use good posture and make sure you frequently take breaks to walk around. There is also tons of ergonomic equipment that is constantly evolving. A wrist support, and features like standing desks and ergonomic chairs can prevent health problems. For instance, there are personal posture tools that you can wear that will vibrate if you’re slouching!
 

A day of chores

Household chores can put unnecessary strain on the body, which in time can cause some major health issues. One major threat is lifting heavy objects. Do you know how to lift correctly? Bend from your knees, keep your back straight, and let your legs and thighs do the work. Keep your body close to the places you clean, rather than reaching and bending. So, for instance, if you’re painting your wall, walk along with the paintbrush, rather than reaching as far as you can. Squat or kneel down close to the baseboards, rather than bending over.
 

Addressing other problems

If you currently have a physical injury or chronic illness, it’s important to take extra measures to lessen long-term damage. If you suffer from arthritis, you might invest in wrist-friendly doorknobs. If you have tremors, first make sure it’s not Parkinson’s, and then see what options for treatment of essential tremors are available. This may involve new supplements or medical trials. If you’re a vegan or a vegetarian, be sure you have a well-rounded diet and take your vitamins!
 
How do you protect yourself in your day-today functions?
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