Your posture is how the world sees you!! Did you know Posture Affects Your Health?

We often hear that good posture is essential for good health. We recognize poor posture when we see it formed as a result of bad habits carried out over years and evident in many adults. But only few people have a real grasp of the importance and necessity of good posture.

What is posture?

Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. Without posture and the muscles that control it, we would simply fall to the ground.

Normally, we do not consciously maintain normal posture. Instead, certain muscles do it for us, and we don’t even have to think about it. Several muscle groups, including the hamstrings and large back muscles, are critically important in maintaining good posture. While the ligaments help to hold the skeleton together, these postural muscles, when functioning properly, prevent the forces of gravity from pushing us over forward. Postural muscles also maintain our posture and balance during movement.

Your posture has a massive impact on your overall health. Here are the top 10 reasons to make it your mission to improve your posture during Posture Month!

People with good posture enjoy:

• Pain-free movement and flexibility
• Better balance and coordination
• Higher energy level
• Elevated confidence level
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Optimism and positive attitude
• Peak athletic performance
• Ability to breathe deeply
• More youthful appearance
• Staying active longer

Take action

Awareness – to become more aware, gain control and adjust your posture environment at work, at home and at play!

Control – Strong posture helps you to look your best and move without pain. A few minutes a day of posture exercises is all you need to improve your posture.

Environment – To maintain great posture create a posture-smart environment to put an end to bad habits!

Chiropractic– Healthy spine is the key to have a good posture, Your chiropractor can help you to maintain and correct your posture through chiropractic adjustments, exercises and recommendations on proper positions during different activities.

How do I sit properly?

• Keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest, if they don’t reach the floor.
• Don’t cross your legs. Your ankles should be in front of your knees.
• Keep a small gap between the back of your knees and the front of your seat.
• Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.
• Adjust the backrest of your chair to support your low- and mid-back or use a back support.
• Relax your shoulders and keep your forearms parallel to the ground.
• Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time.

How do I stand properly?

• Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.
• Keep your knees slightly bent.
• Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart.
• Let your arms hang naturally down the sides of the body.
• Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.
• Tuck your stomach in.

Keep your head level-your earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Do not push your head forward, backward, or to the side.