Before the early 1970s, seat belts and shoulder restraints were not standard equipment in automobiles. And it wasn't until 1985 that the first airbags began appearing in cars. The positive impact those two innovations have had on the reduction of spinal cord injuries cannot be underestimated. In fact,

In recent years, evidence has come to light that we are placing our children at risk for debilitating muscle and joint injuries from overloaded backpacks, a staple among elementary and high school-aged kids. Overloaded backpacks: Cause the shoulders to round, leading to poor posture later in life Distort

Since most of us spend at least a third of our lives lying down, a good quality mattress goes a long way in avoiding a whole host of musculoskeletal problems later in life. In addition, a quality mattress will help you get a good night's sleep, which most health practitioners agree is essential to a

Make sure your body is properly conditioned when doing outside work. Warmed-up muscles will be less likely to tighten up or snap when under the strains of bending, pulling, pushing, reaching, or stooping. You can warm up by taking a brisk walk or doing simple stretching exercises, such as knee-to-chest

Untold musculoskeletal injuries occur every day when people lift heavy or even slightly heavy objects without following the proper techniques. Even a so-called simple task of lifting a box from the ground to place on a higher level such as a shelf or table can cause muscle and back strain. Remember this

If you have asthma or allergies, wear a mask Stand as straight as possible, and keep your head up as you rake or mow. Try to mow during the early morning and early evening hours, when the sun is not so hot. Drink plenty of liquids to keep your muscles hydrated. Protect yourself by wearing a hat,

When raking leaves, use a "scissors" stance. This entail keeping your right foot forward and left foot back for a few minutes. Occasionally switch by putting your left foot forward and right foot back. Always bend at your knees, not the waist, as you pick up leaves. Make piles small to minimize the possibility

Tips about shoe features/selection Some serious back disorders and even more common conditions, such as muscle strain, can be linked to one avoidable thing: inappropriate, poor quality, or ill-fitting shoes. A good quality, properly fitting shoe pays big dividends for your spine down the road. When shopping

As far as household chores are concerned, snow shoveling is one of the most stressful and traumatic household chores you can do to your spinal cord and muscles. When shoveling, consider these tips: Make sure your body is properly conditioned before donning your winter coat and grabbing your snow shovel.

Traveling by car: Make sure your car seat is adjusted to the point that it allows you to sit comfortably and firmly against the seat back without having to lean forward or stretch. Engage your seat and shoulder belts and ensure that your headrest supports the center of the back of the head. If you

There are hundreds of ways (some subtle and some readily apparent) that we can injure ourselves working or relaxing in and around the home. By not following basic safety precautions and just simple common sense, we put our health at risk doing even the simplest of tasks. The following are some simple