Contact Stress, UV Safety Awareness Month, Side Steps & Monster Walks
Contact Stress
Contact stress is a common risk factor in the workplace that can lead to various musculoskeletal injuries. However, it can often go unnoticed. For example, it can be easy to forget how long you have been kneeling on or leaning up against a hard surface. Sustained stress from the hard surface can affect range of motion, blood flow, nerve function, and cause inflammation. To reduce the risks of contact stress, use padding, choose the appropriate tool for the job, and remember to take micro-pauses from the task.
UV Safety Awareness Month
UV exposure is the primary cause of most skin cancers. Although your body gets its Vitamin D from sunlight, excessive UV radiation can quickly damage your skin, regardless of your skin tone. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US, with 1 in 5 Americans contracting it. However, protecting yourself from the sun can be easy! It is recommended that you use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves, and, lastly, seek out shade when possible!
Side Steps & Monster Walks
Side steps and monster walks are exercises that can help build lower-body and hip strength. Place a loop resistance band around your ankles or just above your knees. Slightly bend your knees, drop your hips, and keep your chest up. Then, begin sidestepping in one direction, keeping tension on the band. When performing monster walks, use the same position, but take wide steps forward, keeping tension on the band.
