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How to Avoid An Injury During the Holidays

Categories: Inspirational

Although holidays are fun and all, it is also that time of the year when you are prone to injuries. You might slip onto your rear, kids might end up cutting their fingers, and dads might fall off from ladders.

 

Do not believe us? A report from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revealed that Christmas decorations are the most common cause of injury in the holiday season. What’s more, the most common injuries are due to falls.

 

Thus, avoid getting a broken bone or an injured shoulder this season. Here is what you need to do.

 

Avoiding Injuries during the Holidays…

 

Decorate mindfully

 

Do not drink and decorate. This is a strict no. You are more prone to losing your balance when you are drunk, and this is the reason why many decorating injuries have something to do with alcohol.

 

Stay away from the booze, and while you are decorating, make sure that you are not alone. Thus, even if something wrong happens to you, there will be someone to help you out.

 

Furthermore, decorating with friends and family is a lot more fun than doing it alone.

 

Be alert while dealing with ladder

 

While the ladder might not look like a life-threatening object, things could go wrong in no time. This is why you must always make sure that the ladder is in the best condition, has no broken rungs, and you have set it up properly.

 

According to the 4-to-1 rule, you must position your ladder in such a way that its base is one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height that you intend to climb.

 

To further stay on a safer side – ask someone to hold it steady for you.

 

Most importantly, make sure that you are not exceeding the recommended weight limit when climbing the ladder.

 

Ensure fire safety

 

Fire is another common cause of injuries during the holidays. For utmost safety against fire, we will recommend you buy safe lights that are marked for safety. If you ask us, you must choose to go for LEDs. In addition to being safe, they are energy-efficient as well.

 

Do not forget to check the lights for any damage before using them. If you are able to spot any broken bulbs or cracked and frayed wires, you must discard such lights immediately.

 

Burn candles safely

 

This is one point you must stick to – no matter what. Never ever burn candles near curtains, electricity wires, furniture and in other places which can catch fire. Also, make sure that you keep your kids and pets away from the places where you have lit the candles.

 

Further, to stay safe, we will recommend you use an artificial Christmas tree that is labeled to be fire-resistant.

 

Unwrap gifts properly

 

We understand that you are excited and want to unwrap the gifts as soon as possible to discover what is inside. But there is one holly jolly mishap which can happen to anyone – you can end up cutting your finger or getting puncture wounds while wrapping gifts with scissors, knives, and other sharp objects.

 

The solution? Don’t use pointy and sharp tools like pens, scissors and knives to open your presences. If you must use, use a safety blade. Further, ensure that you cut away from you and other people so that no one is hurt in the process.

 

Accidents Do Happen…

 

No matter how hard you try to stay safe, sometimes accidents turn out to be unstoppable. If you find yourself to be in any such condition, it is necessary that you have a backup plan ready. Keep a first-aid kit within your reach, and have a list of emergency contact numbers ready with you so that you can call them whenever needed.

 

Have Happy and Safe Holidays

 

Simply keep the tips mentioned above in mind. Be mindful, and keep a close eye on your kids. Stay safe, stay protected, and have happy holidays!

 

If you’re suffering from an injury during the holidays, we’re here to get you back in motion so that you can spend time with your friends and family members. To see how we can help you, click here.

 

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About the Author: Harminder

“Physical Therapy, Fitness, & Performance Tips From Dr. Scott & the Back in Motion Team”