It’s “Guest Blog Monday,” and today I’m fortunate enough to have Dr. Lindsay Clement do a guest blog.
Lindsay holds her doctor of chiropractic (as well as specialist certificates in being a Graston Technique provider), and she is a member of my business networking group. She is a very passionate advocate on good health, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. When I heard Lindsay speak about the seminars her clinic runs on helping high school and university kids properly pack their backpacks, I asked her if she’d be so kind to share her knowledge and experience with my clients. She graciously agreed.
Obviously, proper packing techniques are something we all need to be mindful about – and what a perfect follow up to Heather Burke of Smart Space’s guest blog last week about how to organize your vacation plans and packing!
So, if you would like to explore more about proper packing techniques, or might have reason to visit a chiropractor (on issues concerning good health, injury prevention, and rehabilitation), I’d encourage you to give Dr. Lindsay a call. Her contact details are at the end of the post.
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Travelling or On the Go? Pack it Light. Wear it Right.
Packing for a trip can be a real pain in the neck … and the shoulders and the back. Choosing the right bag, and knowing how to load, lift and wear it, can go a long way to prevent pain and injury. Take the ache out of vacation by following these tips:
Choosing your luggage:
- Look for lightweight, sturdy and transportable pieces – if it is heavy or bulky when it is empty just imagine what it will be like when it is packed!
- Wheels and a handle are must-haves for large bags like suitcases and laptop bags. If you are tall, choose a bag that has a handle that extends high enough that you don’t have to stoop down to reach it.
- Carry-on luggage? Think about taking a backpack. Choose a pack with wide, padded, adjustable shoulder straps, a waist strap and multiple compartments inside. When worn properly, backpacks can evenly distribute weight. (Want more info about backpacks? Ask your chiropractor!)
Packing your luggage:
- Packing everything but the kitchen sink? Think again! The larger and heavier the bag is, the more likely you are to have back, neck and shoulder pains and injuries. There’s nothing like pain to ruin a trip.
- If possible, take a few smaller bags versus one large one
- Ensure your carry-on (remember the backpack mentioned earlier?) weighs no more than 10-15% of your body weight. Pack the heaviest items close to the body and limit the bag’s contents … essential items only means just that!
Lifting and carrying your luggage:
- Try to avoid lifting and carrying altogether. Ask for help when you need it.
- If you must lift/carry, make each action easier by breaking it into smaller steps. When lifting a suitcase into the trunk of a car, try lifting it first on to a chair or step stool, then into the trunk. When placing luggage into an overhead compartment, first lift in onto the top of the seat.
- When lifting:
- Get close to the load, standing with feet shoulder-width apart
- Bend at the hip and knees (not at the back!) and lift with your leg muscles
- Hold the load close to your body
- Don’t do the twist! Turn with your feet, not your back
- Balance your load
- Carry light pieces in each hand rather than a single heavy item on one side
- If your bag has only one strap be sure to change sides often
- Give yourself a break! Don’t carry your luggage for a long period of time, especially without a rest break
Chiropractic can help:
If you’re in pain before your trip chances are it will only get worse on the journey. Chiropractors are spinal health care experts; we’re trained to diagnose, treat and prevent disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints. See your chiropractor today … and make your trip a pain-free one!
*All information from the Ontario Chiropractic Association
[email protected]
@chirolindsay
www.spinealive.ca
613.742.0990