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Do You Know How to Lift Properly?

By Laurie Udesky
CONSUMER HEALTH INTERACTIVE

Eighty percent of Americans will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. One sure way to end up with an aching back is to lift something the wrong way. Do you know how to lift a squirming toddler? How about a heavy package that arrives at your door? Take this quiz and see how much you know about lifting.


1. Before you lift something, you should test to see how heavy it is by pushing it with your feet or hands.

True
False

2. If you want to lift something from the floor:

a. Keep your feet very far apart with your knees locked and bend at the waist to reach and lift
b. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees and squat until you are level with the object, then use your leg muscles to raise yourself up.
c. Keep your legs straight with your feet together and bend over to pick it up
d. All of the above

3. If you twist sideways while holding something heavy, you're more likely to injure your back.

True
False

4. In order for you to lift a heavy object safely, how close should it be?

a. Within arm's length
b. At least two inches away from your body
c. As close as possible
d. None of the above

5. If you're picking up something small and light from the floor, it's okay to simply bend over at the waist and pick it up.

True
False

6. Which factors put you at greater risk for injuring your back while lifting?

a. Smoking
b. Poor posture
c. Lifting very slowly
d All of the above

7. If you lift heavy objects often, you should always wear a back belt for support.

True
False

8. While traveling, which of these is the best choice for carry-on luggage?

a. A wheeled suitcase
b. A backpack with padded straps
c. A duffle bag with a padded handle
d. A courier bag with a wide shoulder strap



First published Mar 27, 2003


Last updated May 27, 2008


Copyright © 2003 Consumer Health Interactive, a CVS Caremark company

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