How Does Good Posture Look?
Want a free makeover? Stand straight and you look thinner, your clothes fit better, and you exude confidence. But its not just about appearance. Your posture affects every part of your healthphysical, mental and emotional, says James Manley, D.O., family physician at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. When your organs, muscles and joints are properly aligned, your body works better and your spirits lift. Poor posture decreases lung capacity, and less oxygen means less energy. Hunching over the table interferes with digestion and aggravates acid reflux. Finally, poor posture puts extra stress on the ligaments and muscles of the back, neck and shoulders, leading to backache, neck pain and headache. People trying to improve their health focus on diet and exercise, says Kristen Trombley, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network physical therapist. Working on good posture goes a long way toward eliminating aches and pains.
