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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | DECEMBER 2021 31 As we enter the holiday season, we are often faced with moving or reorganizing boxes filled with holiday decorations. Typically, these boxes and decorations are stacked and stored in locations that are difficult to access. As you attempt to move large and heavy items, you can put your body at risk to back injuries. The following are some tips to help you prevent back injuries. REDUCE THE RISK OF BACK INJURIES Store It Off The Floor • Waist level is the best place to store heavy items, boxes of holiday decorations, or other things you use often. • Lifting from the floor is twice as risky as lifting while you are standing upright. • Lifting something from floor level means you must bend down to pick it up. This means you are also lifting the weight of your own upper body when you come back up. Good lifting technique does help but a lot of stress is still placed on your back when you are lifting from the floor or lower shelves, even when you bend your knees. • Lifting above your shoulders puts you at risk for neck and shoulder injuries. • Heavy items should not be stored overhead, because those items can fall and cause an injury. Additional Tips To Help Prevent Back Injuries • Size it up. Is the load light enough to be lifted by one person? If not, use a hand truck or ask someone for assistance. • Safely lift. If the load can be lifted without help, bring it as close to your body as possible. Lift with your legs, not your back. Keep your head up and your back straight, and bend at the hips. • Move it with care. Keep the load close to your body as you walk. Shift, don't twist, your body to turn. • Don't just drop it. When you are ready to set down the load, let your leg muscles "carry it down." Make sure your fingers and toes are clear of the load before setting it down. Holiday Shopping Safety Reminders While many of us utilize the convenience of online shopping, there are times when we are required to shop the "old fashioned way." Many hazards exist in shopping mall parking lots that can contribute to pedestrian injures. Inadequate pavement striping, potholes or cracks, lack of signage, debris, poor lighting, and puddles can lead to slips, trips, and falls. In addition, choosing the right parking spot can go a long way toward deterring theft and crime. Consumer Reports provides the following safety tips: • Pick spots that are well-lit and close to stores where you will be shopping. • Lock your doors. • Store your purchases out of sight – in the trunk or under dark colored blankets. Large parking lots, such as those found at shopping malls, are considered most vulnerable to crime according to the Urban Institute Justice Policy Center. One way for shoppers to "steer clear" of trouble is to pick a lot where pedestrian traffic is restricted, and video surveillance equipment is used to monitor the facility. We hope everyone has a blessed holiday season and a safe new year! Remember, the Safety Committee is committed to helping to ensure your safety and well-being. The Safety Committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 am in The Lodge's RCN Conference Room. We encourage you to join the meeting should you have any concerns or if you would simply like an update on our ongoing safety projects. Please drop by if you are interested in joining the Safety Committee. We are always looking for energetic new members. All the best. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail.com Safety Committee

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