How to Reach Safely without Creating Back Pain
Knowing how to reach for things properly is an important part of functional aging. Stay active for life by learning how to move correctly and intentionally.
Rearrange kitchen cabinets to reduce the likelihood of injury
Bring heavier items to lower levels. Heavy mixing bowls, casserole dishes, large pots, and heavy baking pans should all be kept low enough that there’s no risk to shoulder, back or head when reaching for them. Prevent injury from accidentally dropping something on yourself, as well.
Step stools are essential items
Keep a small footstool handy in the kitchen. If it’s easily available it’s more likely to be used instead of risking a higher reach.
When standing for long periods of time, keep one foot on the stool to prevent back pain.
Back pain is often preventable. Take 5 minutes to learn to reach up or down without hurting yourself.
As a Patient Advocate and Occupational Therapist, Kara Hibler teaches how to reach up or down safely in just a few minutes.
Kara Hibler has also offered home lighting safety tips. She is someone I know and trust for reliable information and there is no payment for this referral. Kara is a genuinely caring person that can also help care for you or a loved one at home. Please check out her website here: www.AlwaysTherePatientAdvocate.com.
Please share your thoughts in the comment box below…
Did you learn anything new about reaching up or down routinely in the home without injuring yourself?
Did Kara’s Quick Tips teach YOU how to reach safely at home?
Note: This article was originally posted March 19, 2019 and has been updated.
Very good info given by Kara. I didn’t realize how a step stool would help me! Thanks to both of you ladies
thank you for your comment!
I loved the advice on the step stool . Kathryn where did you get your fold up step stool never saw one like that. Great interview.
Thank you for commenting, Pat. I’m not sure where I got the stool, but it’s called E-Z Foldz folding step stool and I use it pretty much every day!