Health Tip: The Importance of Good Posture
Posture is important in everything you do. Bad posture can lead to back pain, and even make you feel more tired than usual.
The American Physical Therapy Association offers these guidelines to help you maintain good posture:
- When standing, your body should be vertically aligned, with a straight spine and head, and a straight line from your ankles to your knees, hips, shoulders and ears.
- Keep your shoulders and hips level, and knees facing straight ahead when you walk or stand.
- There should be a slight inward curve to your lower back when standing.
- Stand with your abdomen flat.
- When you sit, use the back of the chair for support, and keep your feet on the floor.
- Sit up straight, with your head up. Don't lean forward.
Health Tip: Save Your Back at Work
After a long day at work, your back may be chock full of aches and pains from standing on your feet or sitting at a desk.
The University of Maryland Medical Center offers these suggestions to help alleviate back pain while you're at work:
- Pay attention to your posture, whether you're standing or sitting. Make sure your ears, shoulders and hips all line up.
- Avoid standing for long periods. If you must stand, use a stool and alternate resting each foot on it.
- Wear comfortable, cushioned shoes without heels if you walk a lot.
- Choose a straight-backed, adjustable chair with armrests and a swivel seat for your desk chair.
- Prop your feet up below your desk, so your knees are elevated above your hips.
- Roll up a towel or place a pillow at your lower back while sitting at your desk.
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