Injury Prevention
Injuries can happen anywhere and at any time. There are ways, however, to avoid injuries and accidents.
Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. To avoid an injury, be aware of medications you are taking and how they affect you, wear sensible shoes, and stay active. Effective fall prevention is best when combined with typical risk reduction approaches associated with a regular exercise routine.
Gun Safety
Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. Never have your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot. And always keep the gun unloaded and locked up when not in use. Sign up for a gun safety course and learn about accident prevention from a trained professional.
Knife Safety
Always hand a knife to another individual handle first. When receiving a knife in your hand, say “thank you” to the other individual, alerting them you have taken possession. When using a knife, always cut away from your body. To prevent additional accidents, always keep your knife clean and in a safe place away from children when not in use.
Lifting
Before lifting an object, ask yourself whether it may be too heavy or if you require the assistance of a tool or another person. Always lift with your legs. With your back straight, crouch to the level of the object, and use your legs to raise the object. Doing otherwise puts you at risk for serious back injury.
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel is a common injury among those who spend the majority of their time at a computer or other activities that require constant manipulation of the wrists.
While there are no proven ways to prevent it, you can help yourself by using good posture, as well as good ergonomic tools and workstations. Other techniques include loosening your grip, taking frequent breaks and keeping your hands warm.
Our orthopaedic providers have also posted numerous blogs on injury prevention, including: