Personal Best Health Wellness - Taking Care of your Back

• Lift correctly.
  Let your legs power the lift. Bend at your knees, not at your waist, to pick up any object, even something as light as a sheet of paper. Keep heavy items you are lifting close to your body and avoid twisting while lifting.
• Sit up straight.
  Sit with your back straight. If your chair does not have lumbar support, use a cushion to help support your lower back. Keep both feet on the floor. Also: When driving, position your seat so that you can easily reach the controls.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
  Extra weight, particularly around the belly, can strain your lower back. Lose weight by cutting calories and accumulating at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days (every day is ideal).
• Condition your muscles.
  Aerobic exercise stretches and strengthens the muscles that support your lower back.

Other smart moves: Push rather than pull to move heavy objects; gently stretch before exercise and other physical activities; wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels and good arch support.