Health
Getting it Straight
Edward L. Maurer and Susan Spinasanta

An Early Message
As a child my paternal grandmother was constantly after me saying, "Sit up straight," "don't slump in the chair," and "walk tall!" At just about every family gathering I could count on grandma giving me a lecture about posture. The message was the same even as I got older. In my teenage years the reminders became a source of embarrassment and sometimes I would actually try to hide to escape her persistent pestering! Well, now I'm an adult with children of my own. Often, while observing my youngest, the faint stirrings of grandma's voice resound in my head. I'm actually surprised to hear my own voice echoing her very words to this child!

How Poor Posture Happens
Poor posture is easy whereas adapting habits of good posture often require conscious effort. Most people do not think about their posture until someone brings it to their attention. The benefits of good posture far outweigh the ease of slouchy poor posture. You could say that poor posture habits have followed trends in society. Children carry huge over loaded backpacks, adults lug briefcases to work, and thousands of people spend hours hunched over a computer whether for work or play. Poor posture is not only habitual, but is also seen in people with low self esteem, degenerative problems affecting the spine, pain causing muscle guarding, and obesity. Change takes willpower! However the rewards of good posture are well worth the effort. You will feel great and your physical appearance will look tall and confident!

What Does Good Posture Look Like?
The body is straight, but not robotic! The appearance is relaxed as the ears, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles align in one straight line. If you hung an imaginary plumb line from the earlobe, the line would hang straight through the middle of the anklebone. Good posture means there is musculoskeletal balance. This balance helps to protect the joints in the spine from excessive stress. It also guards against injury and possible deformity. Good posture is a great 'tool' to possess to help prevent pain.

Starting Your Day

• Stand up and stretch your arms above your head! The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) suggests, "Do the 'hug your best friend.' Wrap your arms around your body and turn as far as you can to the left, then to the right."
• Exercise regularly to keep the abdominal muscles strong to help support the spine.
• Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. Choose shoes that offer good foot support and comfort. Some styles can affect the body's centre of gravity. Flat shoes are better.
• Look at yourself in the mirror. Is your posture good? Think about your posture and how to maintain it throughout the days' activities. Practice makes perfect!

• Choose a backpack made of a lightweight material.
• Make sure the shoulder straps are adjustable, wide and padded. A backpack with a waist/hip strap is preferable. Wear the pack with both shoulder straps and hip strap.
• Pack the heavier items close to the back. Backpacks with many compartments will help you equalise and distribute the load. Pointy objects should be packed away from the wearer's spine.
• Parents can talk to their child's teacher and arrange for a separate set of books to be kept at home eliminating the need to haul books back and forth.

• Choose office furniture that is ergonomically designed and that fits your body.
• Sit with your back against the back of the chair with knees at hip level. Consider using a footrest. A small pillow or rolled towel placed at the lower back can offer needed support.
• The workstation or desk should be at elbow height. Adjust chair height to meet this need.
• Sit with your shoulders straight and parallel to the hips.
• Don't slouch or lean forward to view work or the computer monitor. Either move closer to the work or move the work closer to you. Tilt the monitor so the centre of the screen is at eye level for easy viewing.
• Don't cradle the phone between your head and shoulder! It is much better to use the speakerphone or hold the phone in your hand.
• Get up, walk tall and stretch often!

• Don't sleep on your stomach. Sleep on your side or back.
• When lying on your back, place a pillow under your knees. This will ease low back tension.
• When lying on your side, place a pillow between slightly bent knees. This will help keep the spine straight.
• Although oversize cushy pillows are inviting, they do not benefit your spine! Instead use a pillow that allows your head to align with the rest of your body.

Copyright (R) thedailystar.net 2006