Tips For Daily Living

In your home:
• Don't bend to pick up a child. Sit down and let them climb onto your lap.
• Get in and out of bed carefully. To get in, sit on the edge of your bed, lie on your side and gently roll over. If you sleep on your side, a pillow between your knees will help support your hips and lower back. To get out of bed, lie on your side, ease yourself to the edge of the bed, then push yourself up with your arms so that you're in a sitting position and both feet are on the floor.
• Avoid reading in bed. Ideally sit in a chair and place a firm pillow on your lap to support both your arms and the book. Keep your chin tucked and straight. Rest your feet on a low stool with your knees bent.

In public places:
• When dining out, request a comfortable chair. Don't feel as though you have to explain yourself.
• Avoid crowded places; it's easy to get knocked off balance and fall. If you must use public transit, try to travel during off-peak hours.
• Take care not to jolt yourself when climbing stairs or stepping off a street curb.
• Take a pillow with you for extra support when you're sitting in cars, offices, etc.
• When getting into a car, sit down facing the door and then swing your legs in. To get out, just do the reverse.