AVOID PAIN WHILE SPRING CLEANING THIS LUNAR NEW YEAR

This article is advised by MSc, 1st Degree Specialist Doctor  

NGUYEN VAN HOANG TAM - Musculoskeletal Medicine at CarePlus International Clinics. 

Cleaning the house to prepare for the Lunar New Year is an indispensable part of customs in many Asian countries, especially Vietnam. However, this often requires effort and hard work and can cause musculoskeletal pain if not done correctly.

Below is some expert advice to prevent musculoskeletal pain when cleaning the house for the holidays. 

• First, plan and separate your work into reasonably small parts to avoid overloading your body. Prioritize light work first, then do heavier work after your body has warmed up. 

• Second, always remember to maintain correct posture when working. For example, avoid bending or arching your back too much when lifting heavy objects, avoid reaching too much when picking up objects, squatting or kneeling for too long, etc. Use assistive tools such as a cart or ladders to help move heavy things more easily. 

• Third, you should reserve time to rest. Only work continuously with regular rest periods. Take time to walk, stretch, and relax to relieve stress on your body. 

• Fourth, use creams or massage oils to reduce pain and tension in the muscles and joints. Gently massage the necessary area after each work session to help the body relax and recover quickly. 

• Finally, remember that your health is most important. If you feel severe pain or fatigue, stop and rest. Don't force yourself to work too hard; this can harm your long-term health. 

Hopefully, the above preventive measures will help you avoid musculoskeletal pain when cleaning the house for the Lunar New Year and enjoy happy moments with your loved ones.