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Tag: Injury Free Winter

Live Well Chiropractic CenterNewsInjury Free Winter
8 Safety Tips For Hanging Holiday Decorations Without Injury
By Dr. Kim Wermert Christmas

8 Safety Tips For Hanging Holiday Decorations Without Injury

Holiday lights and decorations put us in the holiday spirit, but the excitement can quickly extinguish if hanging them is not done safely. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been 12,000 or more holiday-decorating emergency department visits each year in the U.S. since 2009. Here’s what you can do to get those holiday decorations installed safely and without injury.

Tip #1: Inspect the decorations before you hang them

Check the wiring of the holiday lights for cracked or frayed cords, missing lights, dead bulbs and other types of damage. If the product has been inspected for potential safety hazards, the label “UL” for the Underwriters Laboratory will be clearly displayed on the tag. A green UL mark means the lights are safe for indoor use only; a red UL means they are safe for indoor or outdoor use. Throw away any damaged strands. Before you move to the next steps, take a few moments to stretch your muscles to avoid injuries!

Tip #2: Clean your gutters and downspouts

Clear out any leaves, branches and other debris from nearby trees. Clogged and backed up gutters and downspouts can lead to water overflow onto your lights, causing an electrical hazard. This should be done before you install your decorations.

Tip #3: Secure your ladder

Make sure your ladder is secure and on level ground before you start climbing. Have someone be your spotter to hold the ladder as you climb up and down. This helps to minimize your risk of falls.

Tip #4: Don’t walk on your roof

Slippery shingles, angled roofs and water channels can make holiday decoration installation dangerous. Avoid the roof, or hire a professional with the proper tools and equipment to handle this for you.

Tip #5: Use plastic safety clips

Use plastic safety clips to secure hanging lights to the exterior of your home. They are both safe and affordable. Don’t hammer tacks or nails into the cord or use metal staples. This can damage wires and create small holes in the exterior of your home, giving rain and melted snow the opportunity to damage your home.

Tip #6: Use the appropriate extension cords

Heavy-duty extension cords made specifically for outdoor use are the safest ones to use for your holiday lights and decorations. Use no more than three sets of standard lights per extension cord to avoid overloading them.

Tip #7: Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)

Plug all your outdoor lights and inflatable decorations into GFCIs. They will help prevent electric shock if different currents occur in the hot and neutral wires.

Tip #8: Take care of the cords

Place the cords against the house or other structures so they are not stepped on, walked on, mowed over or tripped on.

Live Well Chiropractic Center wants you to stay safe and avoid injury as you install your holiday decorations this season! If you are experiencing any pain, inflammation or soreness after putting up your festive décor, please schedule an appointment with us. We will help you stay healthy and pain-free so you can enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. Contact us today at 513-285-7482 to schedule an appointment, and be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for our latest tips and updates!

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Injury Free Winter
By Dr. Kim Wermert Work Injury

4 Ways to Stay Injury-Free This Winter

Snow, ice, rain, sleet, hail — some climates see it all in winter (and some might see it all in a 24-hour period). While some of it can be pretty to look at, oftentimes that beauty comes with its own set of hazards, by way of icy walkways, snow shoveling, sports injuries, or car accidents. The good news is, with a little preparation and know-how, you can avoid serious injury for yourself or others this winter.

Tips for Preventing Winter Injury

1. Prevent an icy situation. The best way to keep from falling on the ice is to make sure there’s nothing slippery under your feet. Make sure to salt or use a de-icing solution on all your steps and walkways before the snow hits. If this isn’t possible and you find yourself needing to clear the snow or ice after the fact, make sure you have on boots with good tread and that you take short, careful steps or use available railings for balance while you put down the salt. Carry your cellphone as well, in case of emergency.

2. Slow down that shovel. Don’t let it fool you — shoveling snow is hard work. Not only are you lifting heavy snow off the ground with a shovel, but you’re also carrying those heavy loads off your walkways. Doing all this exercise in the freezing cold only makes the task more difficult. However, it’s better to go slowly and take breaks if necessary to avoid back strain or a twisted neck muscle. Rushing through the job only sets yourself up for injury. Make sure you are wearing boots with a heavy tread and warm clothing, including a hat and gloves and face protection, if necessary.

3. Recognize the need for speed. Slow speeds, that is. Weather-related accidents account for 1,235,000 vehicle crashes a year! To avoid adding to this statistic, take heed when driving in bad weather. Only drive if you absolutely have to, and pay attention to area road conditions and closures.

If you must get on the road, remember to dress appropriately, to warm your car up ahead of time, and to make sure to remove all snow and ice from all of your windows and wipers before heading onto the roads. Drive slowly and give yourself plenty of room and time to stop in case your car slides.

4. Exercise caution. If you want to get outside for some exercise — whether that’s going for a walk, a run, sled riding, or playing another outdoor game, you’ll need to take extra precautions in winter weather.

• Make sure you are well hydrated and that you have water on hand during your activity. Just because you’re cold doesn’t mean you’re not sweating.

• Use appropriate footwear for your activity, and double up on warm wool socks to keep from getting frostbite. The same goes for hats and gloves.

• If you’re already tired, skip the activity. The cold weather can take more out of you than you think, which can lead to injury or illness.

• Use the buddy system. Never venture out alone on a winter hike or decide to ice skate on a frozen pond without bringing someone with you. That way, there will always be someone to help or call emergency services, if necessary.

• Watch the weather reports. If more snow, ice, or rain is predicted, don’t risk getting stuck outside. Wait until weather conditions abate before resuming your outdoor activities.

At Live Well Chiropractic Center, we know sometimes injuries can be unavoidable. If you are dealing with pain or an injury, we can help, and with chiropractic care from our clinic, you can expect to feel better. Call us today at 513-285-7482 or email info@livewellcc.com to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about the health benefits of our brand of chiropractic care.