Is Your Daily Routine Impacting Your Long Term Health?

Many of us go through our daily routine with little to no thought about how our actions and movements impact our long-term health. For example, have you ever thought about how much time you spend sitting? Whether it’s at work, in the car, on public transit, or watching TV – we spend a lot of time on our bums.Almost all of us will suffer from back pain at some point in our lives. In fact, low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Its adverse health effects also have a large impact here at home, as one in five experience chronic back problems. Low back pain is the second largest contributing factor to lost work time, behind the common cold. Making this ailment a major burden on our province’s economy and health care system.

How do you know if you have bad posture?

• When you look at yourself straight on in the mirror, one shoulder looks higher than the other.

• If you stand with your back against the wall, you have to push your head back to get it to touch the wall.

What contributes to bad posture?

• Poor sitting and standing habits

• Obesity

• Poor work environment

• Pregnancy

• Weak core muscles (abs)

• High-heeled shoes

• Tight muscles; decreased flexibility

There are a number of exercises and stretches that can help improve posture and spinal health.

newscanada.com