Always mind your posture! Make sure you keep your chin up and don't slouch. If you know you're going to be standing for a long time, wear comfortable shoes.

Get up every 20 minutes to stretch. The type of chair you have is extremely important. In correct sitting posture, your back touches the chair and your feet are on the floor with knees at a 90 degree angle. Try to avoid looking down at your computer screen. It should be at eye level.

Use a supportive chair. When you are forced to sit for a long time, for instance at a desk job, make sure to get up and stretch every 20 minutes. Sit with your back against the chair, feet firmly on the floor. Do not cross your legs.

Lifting objects is one of the most common ways to injure yourself. Even with light objects, twisting or pulling in the wrong direction when you're not stretched out can have a damaging effect on muscles and the spine. Always bend at the knees and avoid lifting anything you know is too heavy.

If you know you are going to be working or playing for a while, be sure to adequately stretch out and warm up. Even for light activities such as gardening or pushing your child on a bike, it's easy to pull something without warming up first.

If you're forced to use the telephone for a long time, a speaker or headset is a must. Try to avoid cradling the phone between your neck and your shoulder at all costs as this could damage the muscles or vertebrae in that area.

Straining your neck or back while sleeping is very common. We often fall asleep in strange positions where we aren't supported properly or have our necks at an odd angle. Make sure your head and neck are properly supported if you are going to nap or watch TV in bed.