Your Life: Solutions for Better Living

Grocery Shopping
by Rosanna Scott

Recruit help. Ask a family member, friend or neighbor to accompany you to the store. And don't be afraid to ask for a sales clerk's help with getting heavy items from shelves, or retrieving items from the top or bottom shelves.

Let someone shop for you. For a small fee, many local grocers and some larger chains provide grocery delivery service with same-day or next-day delivery - you just provide the list. Or if a neighbor or friend is going to the store, ask if they wouldn't mind picking up a few items for you.

Map it out. Create a grocery list broken down by store aisle to avoid retracing your steps. Make another list and write down all the items that may require a store assistant's help to tote, like laundry detergent or dog food, and stop at the service desk on your way in to get help.

Get comfortable. Be sure to wear cushioned, slip-proof shoes.

Fight fatigue. Stand up straight and avoid leaning on the shopping cart or consider using a motorized cart instead.

Bring a reacher. It can come in handy when grabbing light, non-breakable items from shelves.

Wear gloves. For people with Raynaud's syndrome or hands that don't do well in the cold, slip on a pair of gloves when in the freezer and refrigerated sections.

Reduce lifting. Find a grocery store that provides free bag service so someone else can unload the bags into your car.

Take breaks. Once you are back at home, put perishables away first and then rest before you tackle the remaining items.