Fourth Of July Safety Tips from your favorite Physical Therapy Clinic!

Fourth Of July Safety Tips from your Favorite Physical Therapy Clinic!

Fourth of July is upon us and with it is the season for outdoor BBQs and activities.

Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and safe during the holiday!

DON’T LIFT ALONE!

With the high temps in the forecast tomorrow a cooler with some cold drinks is sure to be a staple for your BBQ, but do not lift it alone! Make sure to bend at the knees to get down to a level where the cooler is more level with your body, then use your legs to stand up rather than bending at the waist and lifting with your back. This will help you to avoid low back pain.

HYDRATE!

Speaking of drinks, it’s important to get plenty of fluids before, during and after activity! Consuming soda and alcohol is not going to do the trick. Make sure to have WATER, especially with the heat we are having!

STRETCH BEFORE YOU PLAY!

Backyard sports are a great way to spend time outside with friends, but make sure to do a dynamic warm-up and stretch before. Do a light jog, some high knees or butt kicks, and stretch out your legs, arms and back before and after activity. Stretching can help to mitigate injury and soreness.

WATCH YOUR POSTURE WHILE YOU PREP!

While preparing those burgers and tossing those salads, try to stand on a padded surface and keep your weight distributed equally between both legs. Choose a work area that is level to your arms when they are bent to 90 degrees. This will help you to maintain good posture and avoid hunching over the surface you’re working at.

ENJOY YOURSELF!

These tips will help to keep you healthy during the holiday and make sure you can fully enjoy the day! However, if you have any persistent pain or discomfort following your backyard BBQ, give us a call here at Physical Therapy Specialists of Idaho and let us help get you back to enjoying the activities that you love 208-478-1488.