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Lift Smart for Young Carers As being a carer is so important, need to be as fit and healthy as you can be. It isn’t just for the benefit of the special person you are caring for, but also so you can get the most out of your life. One of the parts of your body that does the most work as a carer is your back. If you damage your back, it can cause you serious problems that will seriously limit what you can do. Back pain will also make you tired and miserable. As you rely on your back so much, it needs special consideration so it can keep you on the move.Your back is an amazing series of moveable parts which bend and move to give you maximum flexibility. All the muscles, bones, discs and ligaments work together to allow you to do all the daily tasks you carry out. You don’t just suddenly hurt your back by lifting something too heavy, though that can happen. It is lifting and twisting the wrong way repeatedly that does damage over time. Just because you don’t feel pain now, doesn’t mean you aren’t contributing to major problems which will show up later. The best way to avoid trouble is to learn how to lift and move properly. High risk activities for hurting your back include: Taking good care of yourself and your back includes getting enough sleep, enjoyable exercise such as walking; keeping your weight down to keep the load off your back; giving up smoking and getting help when you need it! Occupational Therapists, your family doctor and organisations such as Lift Smart Australia are there to help you with advice on how to take care of your back properly and avoid the pain and dramas hurting yourself brings. To keep it really simple, remember the Lift Smart motto, whatever you are doing: Think a bit: do you need a mate? Bend your knees. Keep your back straight. If you are a young carer and would like more information and support,
Contact us at: admin@liftsmart.com.au © Lift Smart Australia 2010 |
Lifting heavy loads around the house such as laundry baskets and groceries.
