POOR POSTURE CAN AFFECT HEALTH

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 November 1949, Page 6

POOR POSTURE CAN AFFECT HEALTH

It does not take much thought to realise what effect poor posture has on personal appearance, states a Health Department pamphlet. But not so obvious are the ways it may cause fatigue, various aches and pains arid improper functioning _oi the internal organs. People with faulty posture are much more susceptible to back injuries and other conditions than are people with good posture. Then again, poor posture usually produces a flat chest. This condition interferes with the proper functioning of the lungs, heart and circulation. It allows the abdomen to become prominent, too, and the entire system cf abdominal muscles to be relaxed, the pamphlet continues. This makes the organs within the abdominal wall drop from their normal positions and become crowded into the pelvic region. Frequently chronic disorders of the digestive system result.

With posture, as with so many ether things, good habits are the key to success. Good posture is nothing more than a correct application of efficient body mechanics. This means that your bones and joints are kept in proper alignment with no strain on the muscles and ligaments. Enough space is then allowed for the internal organs to function to maximum capacity. Good posture should therefore be practised constantly until it becomes second nature.

Every now and then standing posture can be checked against a wall or a door. The head, shoulders, buttocks and calves should touch it. The hollow of the back should then be only deep enough to accommodate the fingers.