Reference no: EM133598149

Medical assistants can be called upon to do some heavy lifting. Learn to lift safely in a way that protects you from injury. Let's look at this idea more closely by discussing the principles of body mechanics. Using good body mechanics means using certain key muscle groups together with good body alignment and proper body positioning to reduce the risk of injury to both the patient and the healthcare worker. Good mechanics start with proper posture. Remind yourself to keep your chin and chest up and keep your shoulders back with your pelvis tilted slightly inward. Keep your feet straight and shoulder-width apart, and a slight bend in your knees. Try to keep your weight evenly distributed to both legs to create a strong base of support. When performing any task, keep your back as straight as possible. Always bend at the hips and knees, which enables the largest muscles of the legs to do the hard work. And remember: never bend from the waist or you risk injuring your back. Pivot your entire body instead of twisting it at the torso. Use your entire body weight to push or pull any heavy object. Remember: it is easier to push than to pull. Obtain help if you are unable to move a patient or an object that is too heavy. Hold heavy objects close to your body so it is easier to support. Make sure the path is clear and the receiving area is ready before lifting or moving any object. Get into the habit of wearing body support if your job includes a great deal of lifting. Medical assistants need to be in excellent physical condition to assist patients who cannot help themselves. >> MA tip: stretch breaks and warm-up exercises are excellent techniques for enhancing body mechanics, and waking up muscle groups to provide that extra energy source and help relieve mental tension. Combining these exercises with the warmth of the sun and some fresh air can be just what the doctor ordered to help you get through an especially tough day. >> Stretch breaks for staff I think is something that should be promoted because what it will do is allow you to reverse positions. And by that what I mean is if your spine for instance is always curved forward as you're doing work in front of you, you need to sort of reverse that curve to stretch the opposite muscles and to maybe utilize the opposite muscles. And again, just to prevent a certain muscle group from becoming shortened or fatigued, which can lead to other problems. As much as possible, I think you should cheat by-- in terms of getting good posture. So for anyone who assumes more of a static position, like an administrative position, by using good chairs and making sure that their computer monitor, for instance, is at the right level, utilizing foot stools and back supports: all of those things can help your muscles not have to be activated all day long, but not permitting your body to go into a posture that's not ideal.

1. Describe the process of using good body mechanics.

2. Discuss some of the suggestions in the video for promoting good body mechanics.

3. One way using good body mechanics can prevent injury is when you are assisting a patient who is falling. Describe how you would assist in this situation.