A Very Physiotherapy New Year
Tis that time of the year to jolly and be merry. Of course, we’ve had a lot to talk about ranging from stairs in the home to hands, wrists and even sitting. This one won’t be a let-down as New Year brings it all together – family, food, finances and not to forget, fun! There will be lots of trips, shopping, rearranging/moving things around, and eating. Again, the trick is to know one’s limit and comply. So, how can we prevent visiting the emergency room during the holidays, and ensure we have a great time? By paying good attention to our physical and mental well-being.
1. Travelling Back Home
Whether by air or by road, ensure to pack right. Get a neck-pillow and lumbar roll ready. If driving, make pit-stops at least every one or two hours to stretch muscles and legs. Wear comfortable clothing and take water not alcohol. In flight, walk the aisle, use the bathroom. When lugging bags, ask for help if it’s too heavy. Use the four-wheeled boxes/bags with the long handles preferably as this will help encourage good body mechanics.
2. Shopping
You may consider this year to make your gifts one that will encourage physical activity, a healthy diet or even a lifestyle change towards healthy living. It may be a half-year membership at a gym. Be creative about it. It could mean getting a treadmill for the home gym, a Wi or an app, the options are endless. If you’re shopping offline, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Whether travelling or shopping, ensure that you carry, as much as possible, equal weights on both shoulders/hands.
“When lifting something heavy, even if it is just a crate of drinks, remember to bend at the knees and lift with the object close to your body as possible. ”
3. Other Activities
Here, I will emphasise the importance of maintaining a good posture throughout the New Year season. When cooking, as there could be some meal preps, be sure to get a low stool to put one foot on, this helps to relieve the pressure on your back. Be sure to use a table whose height is just at your hips, this way your hands will be properly rested and not sprained or injured. When lifting something heavy, even if it is just a crate of drinks, remember to bend at the knees and lift with the object close to your body as possible. If it is too heavy, push along the floor or get someone to help.
While you may have chefs and other domestic staffs to help, you could still be hosting and seeing to the needs of guests – so get comfortable shoes. You may ditch the very high pointy heels for wedges, your back and legs will thank you. Go easy on the alcohol too. Moderation is key. Don’t be told what happened at your own party. More importantly, do not drink and drive.
4. New Year’s Resolution
Now is a good time to begin to plan your 2019, if you are yet to. Set out a healthy and achievable goal. Think S.M.A.R.T. I’ll be glad to have you include in your resolutions; exercise and increased physical activity levels. I always encourage that you choose an activity that you like. It’s okay if you do not know what yours is yet, the trick is to keep trying till you find one. Swimming is a good place to begin. Brisk walking, golfing, running, lawn tennis, and
polo are all great sports. So is gardening. Make it fun and involve family and friends.
2019 is yours for the taking.
On behalf of everyone here at Pro-Health Community Physiotherapy, we wish you a super healthy New Year.
Happy 2019.
Opeyemi Bakre
Opeyemi Bakre is the Director of Services at Pro-Health Community Physiotherapy. A for-profit health and wellness organisation that aims to improve quality of life through health promotion, education and awareness, and physiotherapy. They pride themselves on being fun while working to achieve desired goals.
07013752996
[email protected]
www.communityphysio.com.ng
Featured in Prestige Nigeria Issue 1. Vol. 4 2019
