PARENT EDUCATION VA

* Pack efficiently. Suitcases not only are heavy and cumbersome, they also pose a storage problem in a small dorm room. Pack clothes in laundry bags or trash bags instead. Laundry bags can be folded and stored and trash bags can be thrown away after they are unpacked.

* Use a cart or dolly. Many universities provide carts that students can use to move their possessions into their dorm rooms. The carts are in high demand, however, so there often is a long wait to use one. Purchase a dolly from a home improvement store and avoid the lines.

* Lift with care. Before you lift a heavy item, stand with your feet apart and firmly planted on the ground. Bend your knees and use the power of your legs to lift the object.

* Take breaks. Don't overextend yourself. Taking frequent water breaks and sitting down for a couple of minutes will help you regroup throughout the day.

* Don't do it alone. Take this opportunity to make new friends. Ask your roommate or neighbor for help moving furniture and other heavy items around your room. In turn, ask if he or she needs assistance.

• * Plan for pain relief. To treat sore muscles, bring along an over-the-counter product such as Absorbine Jr. This pain relief liquid contains botanical extracts and helps relieve aches, strains and minor arthritis pain.
• This antiseptic also is great for college students to have on hand for occasional scrapes, cuts and bruises and to treat the itch associated with athlete's foot.
• Moving away to college, with all of your possessions in tow, is more than just a headache. It also can be a pain in the neck, back and legs.
• Constant lifting and carrying heavy items can overwork your muscles and leave your body stressed, fatigued and in pain. W.F. Young Inc., the maker of Absorbine Jr. pain relief products, offers the following tips to help you alleviate the aches and pains of moving.

* Pack efficiently. Suitcases not only are heavy and cumbersome, they also pose a storage problem in a small dorm room. Pack clothes in laundry bags or trash bags instead. Laundry bags can be folded and stored and trash bags can be thrown away after they are unpacked.

• * Use a cart or dolly. Many universities provide carts that students can use to move their possessions into their dorm rooms. The carts are in high demand, however, so there often is a long wait to use one. Purchase a dolly from a home improvement store and avoid the lines.

* Lift with care. Before you lift a heavy item, stand with your feet apart and firmly planted on the ground. Bend your knees and use the power of your legs to lift the object.