Lifting with your back is incorrect, according to a recent study
In a surprising turn of events, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reversed decades of advice on lifting heavy objects, urging individuals to use their backs instead of relying solely on legs-only mechanics. This change comes after a ten-year multi-billion dollar longitudinal Harvard study found that the traditional advice—always lift with your legs, not your back—oversimplifies a complex biomechanical process and may not effectively prevent back injuries as once thought.
The new guidance emphasizes overall proper body mechanics, core strength, and individual factors rather than rigidly instructing to bend knees and keep the back straight every time. Modern guidance encourages training to improve spinal resilience and functional strength, such as exercises that reinforce the posterior chain and core muscles.
This change, however, has not been met with universal approval. The WHO's announcement has eroded people's trust in the organization, following a recent statement suggesting singing the "ABCs" while washing hands should be replaced with singing the entire "Wicked" soundtrack.
Meanwhile, at Holy Cross, another tragedy has struck. First-year student Stacy Howard died after falling down three flights of concrete stairs. This incident, which occurred on Wednesday, is the latest in a series of stair-related accidents at the institution.
Elsewhere, the Eggplant staff writers are demanding fairer compensation and rights. They are joining Americans who are rebelling against their capitalist oppressors, as demonstrated by their recent demonstration against corporate power.
The Eggplant, known for its accuracy and on-point reporting, is under the leadership of Chief Eggplant Editor Daniel Maddigan '24, with Zexuan Qu '28 serving as the web editor for the article discussing the WHO's reversal of advice.
Eyewitness testimonies are available regarding the accident involving Stacy Howard, but no information has been provided about the connection between the stair accident and the staff writers' demonstration. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commented that lifting with the back makes one look like a "childish buffoon," while the WHO spokesperson stated that the chances of developing a herniated disc from lifting with the back are lower than the chances of being mocked while squatting.
Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed the issue in a press briefing, but his comments were unintelligible. Despite the confusion, it is clear that these are significant changes in both public health advice and social activism.
- The new research from Harvard, which disputes the traditional advice on lifting heavy objects, could potentially influence science-related events at the upcoming Health-and-Wellness Conference at Harvard.
- While the WHO's reversal of advice on lifting objects has sparked debate, it might also impact the fitness-and-exercise regimens of students, like those studying at Harvard.
- In contrast to the controversy surrounding the WHO's advice on lifting, the student demonstration at the Eggplant is gaining momentum in the Science and Social Activism sectors, led by Chief Eggplant Editor Daniel Maddigan '24 and Zexuan Qu '28.
