Avoid pain when carrying luggage

More than 51,000 luggage-related injuries were treated in doctors’ offices, clinics and emergency rooms in 2005, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The Rosemont, IL-based academy offers the following safety tips to help protect yourself when traveling is part of your job:

• Use lightweight luggage, preferably with a handle and wheels.
• Pack as lightly as possible. Whenever feasible, pack items into several smaller bags rather than consolidating into one overloaded, heavy bag.
• When lifting, bend at the knees and lift with your legs, holding the luggage as close to your body as possible.
• Do not twist when carrying luggage.
• Use two hands when carrying luggage to more evenly distribute weight and decrease stress on the spine and elbow.
• Carry rolling luggage up stairs.
• Always wear comfortable shoes when traveling.