If you're anything like me, you pass the day slumped over your laptop, rarely getting up off your butt, and on your way out the door, grabbing your super heavy purse and throwing it over your shoulder. And then we want to complain about back and neck problems and slowly feel the aches and pains set in on the commute home. Having proper posture, especially when we're locked into one position for the majority of the day, is extremely important to prevent injuries. You might not think that neglecting the ergonomics in your life could lead to serious health problems, but it can! Below, four scary reasons why paying attention to your posture is a big deal.
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1. Poor posture makes it harder to get enough oxygen in your lungs. This in turn leads to faster cell damage, premature aging, and even organ disease. When you sit up straight, you'll have more oxygen circulating through your body and will feel more alert. So if you feel yourself wanting to pass out at your desk, check in with your posture and see if you can align your body to a more comfortable position that doesn't add extra strain to your ribcage.
2. It can lead to bone loss. It's not just the lack of calcium that could lead to bone loss and osteoarthritis, wonky posture can lead to the same as well. Bone spurs can form around the spine and the more the grow, the less calcium is stored in your bones leading to low bow density.
3. Health problems can show up in unexpected places. If you're constantly hunched over, expect this irregularity to manifest itself in various ways around your body. We're talking about poor digestion, fatigue, getting sick more frequently, and fertility issues. This is because your nervous system is central in regulating important functions throughout your body and its communication highway goes right through the spine.
4. The scariest truth of all. The health risks above are quite alarming and preventable by paying attention to your posture, but there are also superficial reasons why you should pay attention to how you site. Poor posture will make you look more stout as your belly portrudes more when you slouch and make your breasts appear saggy. So straighten up to look slimmer instantly!
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