Good posture is about more than standing up straight so you can look your best. It is an important part of your long-term health. Making sure that you hold your body the right way, whether you are moving or still, can prevent pain, injuries, and other health problems.

How can posture affect my health?

Poor posture can be bad for your health. Slouching or slumping over can:

• Misalign your musculoskeletal system

• Wear away at your spine, making it more fragile and prone to injury

• Cause neck, shoulder, and back pain

• Decrease your flexibility

• Affect how well your joints move

• Affect your balance and increase your risk of falling

• Make it harder to digest your food

• Make it harder to breathe