Lifestyle Tips for Good Posture

• Keep your weight down - excess weight, especially around the middle, pulls on the back, weakening stomach muscles.

• Develop a regular program of exercise - regular exercise keeps you flexible and helps tone your muscles to support proper posture.

• Buy good bedding - a firm mattress will support the spine and help maintain the same shape as a person with good upright posture.

• Pay attention to injuries from bumps, falls and jars - injuries in youth may cause growth abnormalities or postural adaptations to the injury or pain that can show up later in life.

• Have your eyes examined - a vision problem can affect the way you carry yourself as well as cause eye strain.

• Be conscious of where you work - is your chair high enough to fit your desk? Do you need a footrest to keep pressure off your legs?