Body Mechanics

Having good posture and body mechanics is very important for every individual.  If someone has bad posture, their spine could become more kyphotic which puts more pressure on the disks in between the vertebrae.  Having good posture also helps keep back muscles strengthened by keeping them engaged.  Back injuries are very common in the work place which is why teaching proper body mechanics when lifting stuff is crucial.  Keeping the back straight when lifting from the floor keeps from having bulging or herniated disks or even straining back muscles.  The large thigh and glut muscles should be used when lifting objects.  Teaching proper body mechanics would also allow a person to have more power and strength when trying to lift or move objects. 

One way you might teach body mechanics is as a prevention method to a company for their employees.  Teaching them proper lifting, pushing or pulling techniques would be an effective intervention for this population.  This could be from an ergonomic standpoint in a factory.  Another way you may teach proper posture or body mechanics is for transfers in patients in a hospital.  You would want to inform them on positioning of their feet when going from a wheelchair to a bed or vice versa.  Moving around in the bed would also require good body mechanics in order for the patient to become independent. 

Man from the south

Like the soldier in the story and many others think, the pinky finger does not play a crucial role in ever day activities, but this is incorrect.  If the soldier would have lost the bet and had his pinky finger cut off, he would have lost a lot of his grip strength.  The pinky finger is a huge contributor to the power grip and his ability to open a door with a flat handle would be greatly affected.  Many military doors have this style of handle, so it would be important for him to be able to perform this activity.  One strategy that would be beneficial in the soldier regaining the ability to do this would be simply teaching him to grab the door handle towards the end, where not as much pressure needs to be applied in order to open it. If he grabs the handle closer to the point where it rotates, more force will need to be applied as well as more grip strength will be needed. This simple modification could get him back to being able to perform this activity.