subject: Ten Ways To Prevent Injury And Disability [print this page] While some disabilities are impossible to avoid, many injuries and disabilities occur by accident or because we werent taking preventative care. A disability can have devastating effects if it prevents your ability to work or participate in the hobbies and family activities that you love. To help decrease your chances of having an injury or disability, here are 10 preventative measures to take.
1.Exercise Regularly
Being active and physically fit will prevent you from pulling and straining muscles in difficult physical situations. Stretching and increasing your flexibility can also protect your muscles and bones. Exercise also helps prevent diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise also increases your alertness and makes you better able to respond to threatening situations.
2.Drink Milk
Calcium and Vitamin D are important to having healthy bones and teeth. A healthy spine helps prevent back injuries and strong bones dont break as easily. Taking care of your teeth can prevent gum disease or oral cancer.
3.Take Care of Your Back
Most of us spend a good amount of our time sitting at a desk. Having proper posture and taking regular breaks to stand up and stretch are important to keeping our back healthy and strong.
4.Use Proper Tools and Safety Gear
Its tempting to skip putting on safety goggles or ear plugs when quickly pulling out the chain saw or weed whacker, but one bad injury to the eye or too much noise exposure to the ears could leave you blind or deaf. Use this same advice when using all equipment at work.
5.Defensive Driving
Car accidents are one of the biggest threats to the younger generation. They can result in long-term injuries and death. Always practice defensive driving by being aware of the drivers around you and giving yourself space to maneuver to prevent an accident. Dont use your phone and drive.
6.Get Enough Sleep
Being drowsy while driving, working or playing sports, can cause you to make a bad decision that could lead to a serious injury. Be sure to get the amount of sleep you need.
7.Eat Healthy Foods
We all know by now that eating proper foods will help prevent disease and illness. Eating properly can also increase our energy and alertness, increasing our ability to respond to danger.
8.Avoid Dangerous Situations
If a climb looks to steep, an alley too dangerous, or you dont know how to use a tool properly, dont attempt it anyways. Go a different way or ask for help.
9.Have a Good Social Life
Studies have found that having lots of friends encourages people to take care of themselves and to be around for the people they care about.
10.Wear Appropriate Clothing
This is the easiest way to avoid a bout of pneumonia or a twisted ankle.
