You do it when you go to the gym, go for a run or sometimes when you go for a walk, but what about warming up before DIY projects?

Some Quick Facts: One in two (50%) who were personally injured taking on a home improvement project got hurt doing basic garden maintenance.

Nearly one in four (24%) were put on the injured list while painting the inside of their homes; and nearly one in five (17%) blame routine home maintenance projects for their injuries.

At this time of year we see an increase in people seeking care, for conditions brought on by sudden bursts of new activity after winter deconditioning, which essentially means they are out of shape. Injuries are really common, especially among people who have tried to do too much or attempt new activities without enough preparation.

We know from ACC that every week people are injured in accidents at home. Last year, ACC received claims for more than 3000 accidents on Christmas Day and 3,500 injuries on Boxing Day, which together cost nearly $5 million.

I am hopeful that with a little preparation, and some fine tuning of people’s neuromusculoskeletal systems through Structural Correction, we can reduce those numbers this year. Groundbreaking New Zealand research has shown that chiropractic care can help improve muscle strength and control, and assist with balance and coordination which may also help prevent strains, falls and other injuries.

US research shows that more than one quarter (26%) of homeowners who have completed a DIY project reported injuries to themselves or someone else in their household during a home maintenance project, according to a survey by the National Safety Council. This number may be slighter higher in New Zealand due to our can-do, number eight wire mentality and love of DIY. Additionally, over winter many people stop exercising as much. This can result in joint stiffness, loss of muscle strength, muscle memory and control.

It is important to be active, however, care should be taken to prepare for any sort of strenuous or new activity, not just sports, to reduce injury risk and to warm up and cool down appropriately. We all should develop and maintain a regular varied physical exercise programme, in conjunction with advice from your chiropractor, that is individually tailored to their needs. Your body needs regular movement to stimulate growth and repair, starting at a cellular level and on up. Inactivity affects all body systems, but the good news is it's never too late to start moving.

Just be sure to work within your limits, and build up activity slowly and sensibly, to enjoy the holiday season and summer.