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.
Increasingly – adults and children are exhibiting poor posture with rounded shoulders and upper back, and chins jutted forward.
Proper posture doesn’t necessarily mean you have your Chest up and Shoulders back like in a military formation. Essentially, when standing, think “ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips, hips over knees, and knees over ankles.” Naturally, you stop at the hips for sitting posture.
That’s – Think “ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips, hips over knees, and knees over ankles.” Use a wall to teach yourself correct posture. Stand with your back against the wall. The back of your head, your shoulders, and your butt should just touch the wall with your heels 2 to 4 inches away from the wall.
You should be able to slide your hand behind your back but only by a little bit. If you have more space than that, pull your bellybutton back towards your spine to help flatten your back a little.
This message for Healthy Living is brought to you by the Warm Springs Diabetes Program.
