OverexertionShopping on Thanksgiving weekend is like a full-contact marathon. Between the rock-bottom, door-buster deals offered on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it's possible to damage more than your bank balance.

If you're hitting the stores, avoid overexerting yourself, even if you're going with Cousin Sue, the super-shopper, remember that "shop till ya drop" is just an expression, not a command. "It's important to pace yourself," Mehrotra says. This is especially wise if you're unaccustomed to being on your feet for long periods, or if you don't get much regular exercise. "Plan breaks where you can sit down and rest a little. And make sure you keep hydrated throughout the day." Think of all the great people-watching you can do during that break.

You're not out of the woods just because you do your shopping on Cyber Monday. If you're not careful, you could find muscle pain, stiffness and eye strain in your online shopping cart. "You want to have adequate lighting and your computer and chair positioned well for back, eyes and arms," Mehrotra notes. Step away from the computer periodically to give you upper body a break.

"Moderation, prevention and good old common sense are the best ways to avoid an emergency room visit," Mehrotra says. "But if you're not feeling well, come in. The nurses, physicians, and staff of the Emergency Department are here to care for you 24/7, including the holidays."

med.unc/