Posture

We are dedicating this month’s edition of Highwood Highlights to the subject of posture. Most people, when the word "posture" is mentioned will start straightening up, maybe bringing their shoulders back and getting out of a slouch position. The main point here is that we need to put some conscious effort into getting optimal posture. It does not naturally happen for most people.

The benefits of good posture while sitting or standing are many. First, there is the positive effect on mood, attitude and self-worth. Try feeling happy when you are slouched over, shoulders down and looking at the floor. You are likely to notice that it is harder to feel happy in this position than when your head is up, the light is shining on your face and your back is straight. Secondly, when upright we have the benefit of improved oxygenation from using lungs that are not cramped. Sitting or standing straight enables fuller breaths to be taken and less stagnant air to remain in the lungs. This will improve concentration, retention, mood and all other brain functions. Also, you will be less likely to catch respiratory tract infections because of the freer flow of air. In addition, the organs of the abdomen will not be squashed or compressed and thus less likely to suffer from congestion. Even the bowels will benefit, being less prone to constipation.

Good posture is important in relation to body language too. If you want to be polite and courteous to the speaker when attending a lecture then you will sit upright, look at them and maybe lean forward slightly. If you want to tell them that you "don’t care" about their message or about them, then you slouch, fidget, look around the room, whisper and yawn.

The science of ergonomics includes the matter of posture. We need to have ergonomically safe and comfortable seats, desks, shoes, clothing and so on. The secret cause of chronic neck or back pain may be a poorly designed chair or the wrong desk height for typing.

What about nighttime posture? We spend a lot of time in bed and if we are not lying in a healthy position then we may end up with some health problems. For most people, sleeping on the stomach is not helpful and promotes neck or back trouble. Sleeping on the side with the spine horizontal or nearly horizontal is usually the most comfortable and healthy position. Having the right sized pillow is important for adults and children over the age of around ten. Younger children and infants, due to the relatively larger head size, usually don’t need much or any pillow space. Beds that are too soft or saggy are generally not healthy. Hammocks are something that I personally would dread to try and sleep in.

Moving on, I think we should mention the fact that in the future we may likely hear a lot more about the matter of posture for defaecation and female urination. Approximately two-thirds of the world squat for these procedures and one-third use a sitting position as per the pedestal toilet. There is increasing evidence that using the sitting position can cause or aggravate a variety of pelvic problems including prostate disorders, bowel disorders and a variety of female disorders. Those who are interested in the following this subject up should do an Internet search on the matter and get properly informed. We are just mentioning it briefly. The increase in benign prostate hypertrophy in Westernised countries since the mid-1800’s has been a bit of a mystery. Perhaps this postural matter will help to solve the enigma.

Finally, I want to mention posture and accident prevention. You are less likely to walk into a lamppost with your head up and shoulders straight. You are less likely to fall backward off your chair if you sit straight in it and don’t lean back. You are less likely to fall off your bicycle if you keep your feet on the pedals. You are less likely to crash your car if you sit up straight and breath properly. You are less likely to hurt your back if you lift things with the right posture. You less likely to chop yourself with the axe if you keep your posture lined up properly and so it goes on and on. So, enjoy good posture and be safer, happier and healthier!

 

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