Stand up for your right to be healthy and happy
"If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything," (Alexander Hamilton, maybe). And ... "When you stand for something, you have to stand for it all the way, not halfway" (Kevin Gates, singer/songwriter).
Those sentiments are certainly true when it comes to how you carry yourself. That's because when your posture hasn't got you standing up all the way, you are at risk of falling -- and of some serious emotional and physical issues.
Good posture is essential for healthy circulation, breathing, digestion and bladder function. Some studies also indicate that it protects cognitive ability and enhances your self-esteem and mood -- especially when you're feeling stressed.
Poor posture puts you at risk for wear and tear to your spine and muscles, triggering neck, shoulder and back pain. It decreases flexibility and balance while it makes it harder to digest food and breathe. And as you collapse in on yourself, losing strength and mobility fuels depression and frustration.
How to improve your posture:
-- Get pictures taken of you from all sides and examine your stance.
-- Practice keeping your chin parallel to the floor and your shoulders rolled back and down.
-- Pull in your core muscles
-- Distribute your body weight evenly over your knees and feet (pointed straight ahead).
If that's tough to do, start a daily stretching program; stand up and move once an hour; keep your chin up, even when using your phone; download an online posture app; and ask your doc about physical therapy.
Things definitely will start looking up!
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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