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Avoid causing stress on joints Every day we engage in activities that may place extra stress on our joints.   Joint injuries may be caused by accidents, traumatic injuries, repetitive injuries or overuse of a particular joint. These extra stresses may result in increased pain and fatigue.   The following is a list of some helpful joint protection tips: Respect your pain. If you experience pain that lasts for more than two hours after exercising or performing an activity, you have done too much. Use larger/stronger joints or muscles.  Protect the smaller joints of your hands by using larger muscles – i.e. to push open a door use your forearm or shoulder to take stress off the fingers. Avoid a tight prolonged grasp. Build up or use utensils/tools with enlarged handles.  Be aware of body positioning. Good body mechanics can directly impact activity performance and endurance. Avoid remaining in one position for long periods of time. When in any one position—sitting, standing, carrying items—it is best to change your position every 10 to 20 minutes. Staying in one position may increase joint pain, strain and instability. Balance activity with rest. Plan ahead. Do not start activities that cannot be stopped if a rest break is needed. Moderate exercise and activity is necessary to maintain good mobility and flexibility in joints and muscles. Distribute pressure. Spread the weight over as many joints as possible when carrying, pushing, pulling, sitting or standing to reduce the stress on any one particular joint. Ask for help. Never be afraid to ask for help. Know your limits to avoid tempting injury.   Taking care of your joints now may help you to participate in many activities with greater ease, less pain, and keeping you active and productive.   April is National Occupational Therapy month, and in recognition Ann Benton, Occupational Therapy, will present information on joint health from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 12 for Wellness Wednesday in the Children’s Hospital lobby. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of the Employee Wellness Program. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA, and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, April 7, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.