To prevent muscle injury when moving and transferring your family member, it is important that you keep balance, back straight and neutral (body mechanics) according to the following instructions:

1. If there is an adjustable bed, whenever positioning your family member, the bed must be lifted at hips eight.

2. Keep your feet apart at a 60º to 90º, knees bent to ensure balance and stability.

3. When turning the patient, shift weight from the front foot to the back foot, bend your knees and keep back straight and neutral. The use of proper body mechanics helps prevent injury when handling patients.

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