From The Straits Times    |

Going by recent studies published in the British Medical Journal, a good posture is more than just about looking tall and confident – it is about staying healthy.
 
The paper cited that it is not only effective in decreasing back pain it can also improve recovery.

Dr Martin John, a UK-registered Osteopath tells herworldplus.com more reasons to stop slouching now:

Good posture makes you look long and lean
Correct posture activates the abdominal muscles and actually helps strengthen them, making you not only look leaner and more toned, it also helps tighten up your core muscles.

It improves breathing
With the body in a more neutral position it allows it to do those day-to-day functions without increased effort. This improves breathing mechanics, which in turns helps to nourish your internal organs and improve oxygen to all of your body, most of all your brain. This oxygen increase can boost concentration levels, reduce fatigue and improve performance in all areas of your life.

It makes you feel younger
OK, not quite but the increased nutrients and improved organ function helps to reduce overall stress on the body helping fight signs of aging on the outside and degenerative changes on the inside.

It prevents injury, improves recovery
A good posture helps lessen wear on joints and strengthens postural muscles, can potentially aid in decompressing the spine and improves co-ordination and flexibility.

It can make you earn more money 
Although hard to believe, research in the Australian National University in Canberra, found that men who were 6 ft tall made an average of 1.5% more than men who were 5 ft 10inches. A better posture helps to give your back every valuable inch, wasted when you hunch over.

Interestingly, in a separate study, at Colorado University in America, they found students with better posture achieved better academic results. This may be linked to improved concentration or other factors. Either way you have nothing to lose by trying.

WAYS TO ACHIEVE A GOOD POSTURE
Sitting:
-Don’t sit totally straight. Sit into the chair, with your shoulders straight
parallel to your hips.

-Don’t slouch. Either move your chair closer or move your desk nearer to you. Make sure your desk has been assessed for your needs and don’t let anyone change it.

-Try not to cross your legs and keep a natural arch in your lower back. If need be, use a cushion or lumbar support to help you.

Standing: 
-Feet should be around shoulder-distance apart, legs straight but no locking of the knees. Your weight should be slightly more towards your toes.

-Chin should be level, with your neck muscles ‘relaxed’.

-You should have a slight arch in your back (this creates a gentle inverted C shape) but not too big an arch. Tuck your tailbone in and upwards, you can do this by drawing in the glutei and abdominal muscles, similar to stopping yourself passing water mid-flow.

Dr Martin John is an Osteopath with Orchard Health & Natural Therapies Clinic, 9 Penang Road, #07-22 Park Mall. For appointments, call  6336 9577.

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