2-Second Health Tune-up: Check Your Posture!

by A. Grano 

There’s not much you can accomplish in two seconds – but that’s all the time you need to check your posture, which can have a significant impact on the health of your spine, including reducing back pain and neck cramps, as well as helping you look leaner!

Good posture helps alleviate pressure on the spine, easing stress on your discs. Throughout the day, be mindful of the way you position yourself. While it may seem comfortable to be scrunched up on the couch at the end of a long day, you’re likely not doing your back any favors!

• Experts advise that when reclining, lie flat with your knees slightly bent. When sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving, working on a computer, or sitting on a plane, make sure your back has proper lumbar support.
• Don’t bend forward at the neck when reading or working on the computer. Instead, prop your book or magazine up on a pillow or desktop and keep your computer screen face level.
• When carrying bags or bulky items, try to equally distribute the weight on both sides of your body, so you’re not thrown off unbalanced to either side.
• When standing idly, avoid slouching. Standing straighter helps support your full weight, taking strain off your discs.
• Work on your abs. When your stomach muscles are stronger, you can help avoid back injuries, by bending at your knees and holding in your abs when lifting.
• www.gooddeedsmall.com