Did you know that having a good posture is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body? Numerous experts are now stating that posture is not just about looking good, but could be the key to better health. According to an article in the American Journal of Pain Management, “Posture affects and moderates every physiologic function from breathing to hormonal production.”
Good Posture…just how important is it?
Posture ranks right up at the top of the list when you are talking about good health. It is as important as eating right, exercising, getting a good night’s sleep and avoiding potentially harmful substances like alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Good posture is a way of doing things with more energy along with less stress and fatigue. Without good posture, you can’t really be physically fit.
Surprised? Well, you’re not alone. The importance of good posture in an overall fitness program is often overlooked by fitness advisers and fitness seekers alike. In fact, the benefits of good posture may be among the best kept secrets of the current fitness movement. The good news is that most everyone can avoid the problems caused by bad posture…and you can make improvements at any age.
Good Posture is Good Health
We’re a health conscious society today and good posture is a part of it. Because good posture means your bones are properly aligned and your muscles, joints and ligaments can work as nature intended. It means your vital organs are in the right position and can function at peak efficiency. Good posture helps contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Without good posture, your overall health and total efficiency may be compromised. Because the long-term effects of poor posture can affect bodily systems (such as digestion, elimination, breathing, muscles, joints and ligaments), a person who has poor posture may often be tired or unable to work efficiently or move properly.
Even for younger people, how you carry yourself when working, relaxing or playing can have big effects. Did you know that just fifteen minutes reading or typing when using the wrong positions exhausts the muscles of your neck, shoulders and upper back?
Lifestyle Tips for Lifelong Good Posture
• Keep your weight down – excess weight, especially around the middle, pulls on the back, weakening stomach muscles.
• Develop a regular program of exercise – regular exercise keeps you flexible and helps tone your muscles to support proper posture.
• Buy good bedding – a medium to firm mattress will support the spine and help maintain the same shape as a person with good upright posture.
• Pay attention to injuries from bumps, falls and jars – injuries in youth may cause growth abnormalities or postural adaptations to the injury or pain that can show up later in life.
• Have your eyes examined – a vision problem can affect the way you carry yourself as well as cause eyestrain and neck fatigue.
• Be conscious of where you work – is your chair high enough to fit your desk? Do you need a footrest to keep pressure off your legs? Try a standing desk, it allows for movement and increased function.
• Straighten Up and Stay Healthy!
Wouldn’t you love to have less pain and stiffness, more energy, and an increased ability to move about your surroundings? If you feel that you could benefit from improving you posture and movement, Chiropractic is what you need. Chiropractors are specifically trained and specialize in spinal alignment and proper posture. Their expertise can help guide you when setting up proper ergonomics at work or at home to reduce the stress on your body.
Holmes Lake Chiropractic offers a free consultation for those who may have a few more questions. Feel free to get a hold of us by e-mail at aweaver@holmeslake.com or by phone at (402) 483-4409. We look forward to hearing from you and working toward your improved health!