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House Chore: Not a Pain Anymore. Ergonomics For Daily Activities.

Making Everyday Tasks Easier on Your Body

Maintaining a clean and organized home is essential for well-being, but household chores can often put a strain on the body, particularly for individuals with arthritis or other bone and joint conditions. However, by incorporating ergonomic principles into your routine, you can significantly reduce stress on your joints and muscles, making everyday tasks more manageable and preventing potential injuries.

Ergonomic Strategies for Common Household Activities:

Vessel Washing:

  • Adjust the sink height: If possible, elevate the sink to reduce stooping. Alternatively, use a step stool for better leverage.
  • Use warm water and dish soap: Warm water helps loosen grease and grime, making washing easier on your hands. Dish soap further reduces friction, minimizing strain on wrists and fingers.
  • Choose ergonomically designed tools: Opt for brushes with comfortable grips and long handles to minimize wrist strain and awkward postures.

Mopping:

  • Use a lightweight mop: Opt for a lightweight mop with a long handle to avoid excessive bending and straining your back.
  • Microfiber mops are your friend: Microfiber mops require less wringing and pressure to clean effectively, reducing strain on your hands and wrists.
  • Mop in sections: Divide the floor into smaller sections to avoid overextending your reach and maintain good posture.

Cleaning the Toilet:

  • Invest in a toilet brush with a long handle: This minimizes awkward bending and reduces stress on your back and knees.
  • Use ergonomic cleaning products: Choose spray bottles with pump handles or trigger mechanisms to avoid squeezing and minimize strain on your hands.
  • Consider disposable cleaning wipes: Disposable wipes can be a good option for quick cleaning, eliminating the need for excessive scrubbing or bending.

Laundry:

  • Sort and lift laundry strategically: Sort laundry close to the washer and dryer to minimize carrying heavy loads. Bend at your knees and keep your back straight when lifting laundry baskets.
  • Use a laundry basket with wheels: This eliminates the need to carry heavy laundry and reduces strain on your back and arms.
  • Adjust the height of your appliances: If possible, elevate your washer and dryer to avoid excessive bending and reaching. Alternatively, use laundry risers or a grabber to reach items easily.

Gardening:

  • Warm up before starting: Engage in light stretches or a brief walk to warm up your muscles and joints before gardening.
  • Use raised garden beds: Raised beds eliminate the need for excessive bending and kneeling, making gardening more comfortable for your back and knees.
  • Choose ergonomically designed gardening tools: Opt for tools with long, lightweight handles and padded grips to minimize strain on your hands and wrists.
  • Take breaks and change positions frequently: Avoid prolonged kneeling or standing. Alternate between sitting, standing, and kneeling to prevent fatigue and strain.

Lifting Objects:

  • Plan your lift: Assess the weight and awkwardness of the object before lifting. If it's too heavy or bulky, seek help or use a mechanical lifting aid.
  • Bend at your knees, not your waist: Squat down with your back straight, keeping the object close to your body. Use the strength of your legs to lift, not your back.
  • Avoid twisting: When lifting, avoid twisting your body. Instead, pivot your feet to turn your whole body.
  • Get help when needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help from family members or friends when lifting heavy objects.

Deep Cleaning:

  • Break down tasks into smaller chunks: Divide deep cleaning tasks into smaller, more manageable activities to avoid fatigue and strain.
  • Use cleaning tools with extendable handles: This helps reach high areas without excessive stretching or climbing.
  • Delegate tasks: Share the cleaning responsibilities with other household members or consider hiring help for deep cleaning chores.

Cooking:

  • Adjust the height of your work surfaces: If possible, adjust the height of your countertops or use a stool to reach comfortably while preparing food.
  • Use ergonomic kitchen tools: Opt for knives with comfortable handles, lightweight pots and pans, and jar openers to minimize strain on your hands and wrists.
  • Take breaks and change positions: Avoid standing for extended periods while cooking. Take breaks to sit down or walk around to prevent fatigue and discomfort.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and it's crucial to listen to your body and adjust your approach as needed. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort, consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon or a physiotherapist for personalized guidance and management strategies. By incorporating these ergonomic principles into your daily routine, you can make household chores easier on your body and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Dr. Naveen Chowdary Tummala,

SCOT : DR.Naveen's Bone and Joint Clinic, Sholinganallur.

9094567893, 9094567894,

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