Frank Fusco
Member
- Messages
- 12,791
- Location
- Mountain Home, Arkansas
I cannot do everything I used to do, age is inescapable.
But when the boys graduated from high school and moved on, I had to learn to work alone, especially at chores involving our cattle. There was no more of "hold this", "pull this" or "bring that to me". I became quite resourceful at handling things. Having once worked in a hospital as a physical therapy assistant and teaching body mechanics helped also. I tried to stay very alert to not making moves that might be damaging to my body, especially the back. Jacks, chains, a six foot pry bar and other tools came into play often. Sometimes I would use the truck or tractor to muscle things I thought I "might be able to do myself".
At home and in the shop I still try to behave. I have called friends or hired high school boys to lift things. Sometimes they will earn $10.00 for about two minutes work but it's worth it.
I have 99% sworn off ladders. We spent a large chunk of our savings several years ago for gutters that do not collect leaves and get clogged.
Have to confess, however, I do not exercise like I should. Active as I am, certain parts of the body do not get used enough to stay trim. Can I say 'abdomen' here?
Avoiding injury requires constant awareness of what you are about to do. As one ages, the body breaks easier and heals slower.
But when the boys graduated from high school and moved on, I had to learn to work alone, especially at chores involving our cattle. There was no more of "hold this", "pull this" or "bring that to me". I became quite resourceful at handling things. Having once worked in a hospital as a physical therapy assistant and teaching body mechanics helped also. I tried to stay very alert to not making moves that might be damaging to my body, especially the back. Jacks, chains, a six foot pry bar and other tools came into play often. Sometimes I would use the truck or tractor to muscle things I thought I "might be able to do myself".
At home and in the shop I still try to behave. I have called friends or hired high school boys to lift things. Sometimes they will earn $10.00 for about two minutes work but it's worth it.
I have 99% sworn off ladders. We spent a large chunk of our savings several years ago for gutters that do not collect leaves and get clogged.
Have to confess, however, I do not exercise like I should. Active as I am, certain parts of the body do not get used enough to stay trim. Can I say 'abdomen' here?
Avoiding injury requires constant awareness of what you are about to do. As one ages, the body breaks easier and heals slower.
