Maintain Proper Posture

Good Posture is essential for good health.

• It helps us keep our bones and joints in the correct alignment so that our muscles are correctly utilized thereby decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could lead to degenerative arthritis and joint pain.
  
  
• It reduces the stress on your ligaments which minimizes the likelihood of injury.
  
  
• It allows the muscles to work more efficiently so that your body needs less energy to function thus reducing muscle fatigue.
  
  
• And it helps prevent muscle strain/pain and back pain.

• Standing- Bear your weight on the balls of your feet with knees slightly bent.  Your feet should be about shoulder width apart and your arms should hang naturally down your sides. Stand straight with your shoulders pulled back and tuck your stomach in. Keep your head level, not forward, backward, or to the side- your earlobes should be in line with your shoulders.  If you have to stand for long periods of time try shifting your weight from your toes to your heels, or one foot to the other. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes when standing or walking.
  
  
• Sitting- Keep your feet on the floor or a footrest if they don’t reach the floor. Don’t cross your legs, your ankles should be in front of your knees. Maintain a small gap between the front of your seat and the back of you knees and your knees should be at or below hip level. Relax your shoulders and when possible keep your forearms parallel to the ground.  Make sure to adjust the backrest of your chair to support your back.  Shift positions if you have to sit for long periods of time.
  
  
• Sleeping- Find the right mattress for you, though a firm mattress is recommended sometimes a softer mattress may reduce your back pain. Sleep with a pillow, therapeutic pillows are available for people who have poor sleeping posture. Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your knees, never on your stomach.