FALLS AND SHOCKS WHILE DECORATING Beware of your Christmas tree! Fake or real, these sentimental additions to the household are not as innocent as they look. Many people are hurt each year while decorating trees. This usually occurs while placing the high-up ornaments, putting up lights or rooting around in the roof trying to find where it was stowed after last year for safe keeping. Falls while decorating, children swallowing small bulbs and people getting electrocuted or burnt while hanging fairy lights are just some of the more common decorating antidotes heard in the emergency room. Using a step ladder rather than furniture when reaching any high places, keeping anything small or fragile out of reach of toddlers or pets and not overloading electrical sockets are just a few of the small ways to keep a household risk free during the festive season. GIFTS THAT GIVE (INJURIES) Gifts are the highlight of Christmas for many, especially the kids. Mum and Dad staying up late to help Santa assemble complicated toys with 3.2 million pieces or screw together the parts of a bike with scissors because they can’t find the screwdriver is pretty much a rite of passage as a parent. However, this often leads to cuts, bruises and the jaw-clenching pain of stepping on the same piece of Lego for the tenth time. On Christmas Morning, people cutting themselves with knives when opening presents too quickly, tripping over toys and electric cables while rushing to try out their new electronic devices, or slipping on wrapping paper usually result in only minor injuries but can ruin the fun if something serious happens. Try to have the correct tools on hand for any opening or assembly and clean up as you go. Besides, there are easier ways to get rid of the ugly vase your mother-in-law gave you then landing on it. LIFTING LUGGAGE If we are not driving, we are flying. Whether you’re packing an overnight bag or you’re checking in bags the size of a small apartment, it is always best to keep in mind who will be handling the luggage. Neck, back and shoulder strain can happen in an instant and wreck an otherwise perfect holiday. Luckily, summer in Australia is very hot, so you can pack light. Throw in a swimming costume and some sandals and you are good to go. But if that is not going to cut it, then remember wheels are your friend. Invest the time in getting a trolley to transport luggage and check heavy bags onto the plane rather than lifting into overhead lockers. Knowing how to lift heavy objects correctly can also save avoidable stress and strain on joints. And keep in mind it may not only be luggage. Remember, there are no prizes for dislocating your elbow carrying all the groceries into the house from the car in one go. 3 4 5 58 Pindara Magazine 2016
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Nine
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