(Newswire.net — December 12, 2016) — Due to an increase in certain kinds of injuries during the holidays, this list was put together to help raise awareness and share safety tips that could keep you out of the emergency room or in need of specialized treatment from a pain management specialist so you can take part in the festivities. By reviewing this list of the most common holiday injuries, you can apply extra caution, and the tips could also come in handy throughout the year.
1. Falls
Falling from your ladder can be costly, so try using the 4-1 rule: for every 4 feet of the ladder’s height, set it up 1 foot further away from the wall. For example, if your ladder is 8 feet high, then set it up with its base 2 feet from the wall, etc.
Avoid falling from your ladder by keeping the steps dry and free from dirt, adhesive substances, ice and anything else.
While using your ladder, wear shoes that won’t make you lose your footing and that won’t fall off. If your shoes have shoelaces, straps or buckles, then make sure they are tied or fastened tight.
If using an extension ladder, then consider having a spotter.
Make sure you use a ladder strong enough for your weight as well as the weight of the items you will be carrying up the ladder.
Check your ladder to make sure none of the steps or screws are loose or missing.
Don’t use a ladder while intoxicated.
Ladders are not the only way falls happen. You can also avoid falls by using rugs with a non-slip backing or secured with tape.
Keep walkways and other foot traffic areas well lit and free of clutter, cords and other items that might cause one to trip or fall.
2. Cuts
You can prevent cuts to your hand or other parts of your body by cutting away from yourself and securing the item with your free hand, but not in a place where the knife may come in contact with it.
Place the item you are cutting on a steady surface, make sure you have enough space, and make sure the item won’t slip around. For instance, if you are carving a turkey, place it in a heavy dish that will hold it in place.
Use the appropriate knife, and make sure it’s sharp. Also, make sure that your hands and the knife handle are dry before use.
Don’t let young children do the cutting, and keep knives and other sharp utensils out of their reach.
3. Luggage Injuries
Avoid musculoskeletal injuries, such as strained muscles, torn ligaments, dislocated joints, neck, shoulder and back pain, by using the appropriate luggage in the correct manner.
Always bend your knees when lifting luggage.
Use luggage with wheels if possible; it’s easier to transport.
When storing carry-ons in the overhead compartments in airplanes, lift your luggage onto your seat and then lift it up into the compartment, wheels first, while holding the piece evenly between your hands. If it’s too heavy to lift, then ask for assistance from a flight attendant.
Pack light enough that you can easily handle your luggage; your luggage might meet the airline’s regulations, but large, heavy pieces of luggage are not manageable, and while you may have help at certain times, there could be instances where you need to lift your luggage all by yourself.
In one year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission counted over 15,000 holiday decorating injuries, over 75,000 luggage related injuries, and cuts sustained while carving turkeys was among the top five injuries. Pain management specialists like Champey Pain Group are often required for such injuries. With these helpful tips, we hope that you can stay out of the doctor’s office and be at home with your family.
About Champey Pain Group
Dr. Edward J. Champey, MD specializes in Advanced Interventional Pain Management in New Jersey. He is Board Certified Anesthesiologist who has personally performed all Pain Management procedures at Mine Hill Surgical Center, located in Morris County, NJ.
At the Champey Pain Group we approach each patient to improve function, repair injured tissues, decrease pain, and improve their quality of life. We provide high-quality care to our patients in accordance with Accepted and Recognized Standards while offering treatment for chronic and acute pain sufferers. Our mission is to reduce or eliminate reliance on prescription medication and to avoid possible surgery.