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Back injuries can be preventable by Jaime Snape Physical Therapy For more information on  promoting proper body mechanics, backpack positioning, and other workplace tips, visit the Wellness Wednesday booth from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 30 in the Children’s Hospital lobby.   It is a common misconception that injuries usually occur when working out at the gym, playing a competitive sport, or following a motor vehicle collision. A serious back injury could also result from making the bed, picking up a child, or sitting at your desk. Injuries can occur at anytime and most often occur at work. Back injuries lead the list, and are also some of the most preventable.   As stated by www.spine-health.com, there are two situations that typically cause back pain or injury on the job. There is a non-accidental injury, where pain arises as a result of normal activities and requirements. Poor body mechanics, prolonged activity and fatigue are major contributors to these injuries. This may occur from sitting in an office chair or standing for too long in one position. Accidental injuries result when an unexpected event triggers injury. A load that slips or shifts as it is being lifted, a fall or hitting your head on a cabinet door are examples. These accidents can jolt the neck, back and other joints with resulting muscle strain or tearing of soft tissue in the back.   Using proper body mechanics in standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, pulling and pushing, as well as setting up your work desk to promote better posture, are easy ways to protect your back. Carrying bags to and from work, school, or the gym, if done improperly, increase the risk for spinal injury.   Weekly tips from the Healthy S.C. Challenge Healthy S.C. Challenge is a results-oriented initiative created by Gov. Mark Sanford and first lady Jenny Sanford to motivate people to start making choices that can improve health and well-being. Visit http://www.healthysc.gov. Nutrition All berries are low in calories, high in fiber, brimming with vitamin C and chock full of disease-busting antioxidants. They can be eaten fresh or frozen, tossed into salads, smoothies, yogurt, cereal, pancakes and of course, eaten all by themselves. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. 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, Aug. 25, 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 Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.