There are hundreds of ways-some subtle and some readily apparent-that we can injure ourselves working or relaxing in and around the home. By not following basic safety precautions and just simple common sense, we put our health at risk doing even the simplest of tasks.

Following are some simple tips to follow.

• Avoid cradling the phone between your neck and shoulder. This can lock up the spinal joints in the neck and upper back. Consider a speakerphone or wireless headset.
  
  

• If you need to turn to carry what you've picked up, step in the direction of the turn to avoid twisting your body and straining your spine.

• Raise one foot slightly when standing doing ironing, or rest one foot on a small stepstool or box.

• Standing for long periods of time, during dishwashing, for example, can put a great deal of strain on your neck, back, knees, and feet. When standing at the sink, rest one foot on the inside cabinet below the sink and bend the knee on that leg. This will take some of the pressure off.

• Use pillows or some other firm support when sitting in a chair or couch watching television. Don't use the arm of the chair or couch for a headrest. This strains your neck.

• When lifting, don't bend from the waist. Squat down by bending both knees, keeping your back straight. This way, you are using your arms and shoulders-not your back-to do the lifting.

• When vacuuming, use the "fencer's stance" by putting all of your weight on one foot while stepping back and forward with your other. Use the back foot as a pivot when you need to turn.