May's Posture Awareness Month Educates and Combats the Negative Health Complications of Bad Postures

Posture Awareness Month's campaign theme, "Stand Taller for Posture Month", brings together thousands of doctors, therapists and trainers in response to the epidemic health consequences of poor posture related to modern technology.

News provided by

BodyZone

May 02, 2016, 06:00 ET

ATLANTA, May 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- May kicks off Posture Awareness Month and brings together thousands of doctors, therapists and trainers across the U.S. in response to the epidemic health consequences of poor posture related to modern technology. Spearheaded by BodyZone founder and posture expert Dr. Steven Weiniger, the month-long awareness effort educates professionals and the public about the negative health consequences of bad posture, particularly related to modern technology, and works to highlight resources and health information to correct these issues.

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Posture affects how well a person lives. With 65 million people in the U.S. alone enduring back pain every year, posture related back problems are the third leading reason for all doctors visits. Lower back pain is the most common disability for people under age 45, causing lost productivity, inability to participate in normal activities, and diminished enjoyment of life. Young or old, most people don't realize poor posture is a contributor to health problems, and modern technology has only increased its occurrence.

"As smartphone and tablet use increases, so does posture breakdown," says Dr. Weiniger. "Sitting is a bent posture literally folding the torso over the pelvis. Texting locks the hands together, causing shoulders to roll inward. This combination means chronically tight back, neck and chest muscles. Plus, as we get older, gravity combines with muscle imbalances to make people feel and look older than they really are."

The U.S. Occupational and Safety Administration (OSHA) notes on its website that people who spend their days working on a computer face their own specific posture challenges. OSHA offers help in addressing the health risks inherent in using computer work stations for prolonged periods in a special section on its website as well as provides checklists and e-tools to promote better workplace posture.

PostureMonth.org will distribute free tool kits, host webinar training, and educate about the clinical benefits of functionally strengthening posture to help Americans improve their posture for better health, longevity, pain relief and aging well. The tool kits Dr. Weiniger will distribute expand upon the information offered by OSHA by spelling out specific changes people can make to improve their posture and overall health.

"Studies confirm posture has a huge effect on your health, appearance and attitude. As more people develop a permanent slump from sitting in front of a computer, posture is gaining new recognition as a growing health problem," explains Dr. Weiniger. "We promote the ACE model of strong posture: Awareness, Control and Environment. Awareness helps people recognize how strong or weak their posture is currently. Control means taking steps to improve and maintain your posture. Environment is about optimizing your physical environment, and looking at what you do to your posture at work, play, and while sleeping."

Expanding on the purpose of Posture Awareness Month, a host of information on promoting good posture with small changes at home, work and play, and specific activities to improve posture and balance will be available year-round from participating professionals and PostureMonth.org. Professionals and the general public are encouraged to view the website to learn more on the subject.

About Posture Awareness Month

PostureMonth.org promotes posture awareness and its impact on health. Spearheaded by BodyZone founder and posture expert Dr. Steven Weiniger, the global public health effort bands together health professionals to encourage people to take action. Author of the book Stand Taller, Live Longer: An Anti-Aging Strategy, Dr. Weiniger is a globally recognized expert in posture and is dedicated to educating health and fitness professionals as well as the general public on the importance of maintaining good posture. For more information, visit PostureMonth.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Renee North
3000 Old Alabama Road, Suite 119-352
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: 770-922-0700
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://posturemonth.org

Sources

OSHA Checklist for Preventing Bad Working Postures

OSHA Computer Workstation Education

Posture ACE Infographics, Awareness, Control and Environment

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SOURCE BodyZone