|
|
|
Cultivating Perfect Posture Is Not Just A Geeky Aspiration
Maybe you remember Mom getting on your case about slouching. If you were in the military, your drill instructor surely made it happen. There are a number of reasons to cultivate perfect posture, most of them health related benefits that will help keep you agile well into your later years. In addition to health benefits, perfect posture tends to convey an impression of confidence and promotes a better appearance. Your clothes look better.
Before we get into the health benefits, let's take a look at the appearance factors. Today, many teens go in for the slouching appearance, emphasized by baggy pants with a waistline way too far below the waistline. Every generation has signature styles that are distinctive to their age group and makes them feel cool, going against the grain, so to speak. However, if you're a teen looking for a job, this type of slouching posture and a, well, sloppy appearance doesn't go over with a prospective employer. Slouching makes you appear to be lacking in confidence. Another message conveyed by slouching is that you have something to hide. All it takes is one other job candidate with perfect posture and a neat appearance to put you out of the running.
Ask anyone who has sustained a lower back injury about posture. It's kind of an inside joke. In order to avoid severe pain, if you have a back injury, you quickly learn what posture is all about. You'll automatically attain perfect posture, in a hurry and without any lessons.
The spine is a delicate part of the anatomy. As we age, the spine starts to compress, which is one reason people lose an inch or so in height by the time they're in their mid fifties. This means that the vertebrae get closer together with each passing year. Current statistics indicate that 80% of people over the age of 50 have some form of arthritis. As bone begins to deteriorate, out of simple 'wear and tear', as is the case in osteoarthritis, the individual discs can start touching each other, with some very painful consequences.
The person who has cultivated good posture over a lifetime will be far better off when these aging factors start to come into play.
You've probably observed some elderly people with hunched over backs, commonly called the 'dowager's hump'. This is not particularly attractive, but that's not the worst of it. It's very painful.
Young people who habitually slouch can look forward to a lot of pain later. While slouching at a young age does not produce pain, it does have some immediate consequences, of which you might not even be aware. Your breathing is impaired, as the lungs and ribcage are constricted. Especially with teens, whose bodies and bones are still growing, you can effect a permanent deformation of the ribcage, as well as the spine. There will come a day when you will suffer from aches and pains that are entirely unnecessary.
You are well advised to cultivate perfect posture now. One simple exercise that will pay you back later is the old practice of standing straight, with your shoulders back and walking around with a book balanced on your head. No kidding. That's all it takes. Make this a daily practice and before you know it, perfect posture is yours. It's a good idea! End of lecture!
Summary
Posture is very important for the overall function of the body. You have probably seen older people with a hunched over look. This is due to years of practicing poor posture. It is painful for older people, so take steps now to improve your posture for the years to come.
Related Articles
Improve Your Posture
Upper Back Pain
Lower Back Pain Relief
Effective Osteoarthritis Treatments
Related Sites
|
|
|
|