Use your hands wisely to avoid injury

NEW YORK, June 13 (Reuters) Everyday tasks, like carrying heavy groceries (which can strain finger joints and arms), or slicing bagels (which can cause serious cuts) can pose a risk of injury, according to the American Society of Hand Therapists.

Those are just two of the five most common causes of hand injuries that are highlighted during this week's Hand Therapy Awareness and Injury Prevention Week.

''Using common sense and joint protection techniques can help to minimize potential injury or overuse of our hands and arms,'' according to Christine Muhleman, president of the society, which includes both occupational and physical therapists.

''Poor daily routines can add up to painful long-term conditions unless you take proper care and precautions,'' she said in an ASHT statement.

To avoid injury, ''slow down and use your hands wisely,'' Stacey Doyon, president-elect of the organization, told Reuters Health.

Due to the fast-paced nature of society, ''we do too much at once,'' without slowing down, she said. This multitasking may lead to various hand injuries.

For example, some people may carry as many as four or five bags in one hand while shopping. ASHT recommends that they instead carry one bag at a time in each hand. Further, Doyon, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist, advises shoppers to not only use carts instead of small baskets, but to also ask for paper, rather than plastic bags, and use both arms to carry the paper bags.

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