Avoid Holiday Injuries
(HealthDay News) -- Decorating for the holiday season should be plenty of fun.
But hanging those decorations -- especially if a ladder or step-stool is involved -- can take the jolliness right out of the holidays if you fall.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these holiday decorating ideas:
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Hold off on the cocktails until after the decorating is done.
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Use a shorter ladder or step-stool when possible. An extension ladder may be your best bet for outdoor or high decorating jobs.
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Never put more weight on the ladder than it can hold. Also, clean and inspect the ladder before use to make sure nothing is loose or broken.
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Make sure the ladder sits on a sturdy and even surface.
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Don't stand on a piece of furniture to put up a decoration.
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Always wear shoes or sneakers, and make sure the laces are securely tied.
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Don't move anything heavy or awkward by yourself. Find someone to help you.
Date Last Reviewed:
12/19/2008
Date Last Modified:
12/19/2008