The Importance of Posture

Our posture is something that we rarely think about. Everyone knows that we’re supposed to have good posture but that thinking often gets lost in practice. In everyday life it’s easier to not think about your posture and go on with life hunched over. But did you know that having poor posture can negatively impact your health? Here is why posture is so important and some tips to help you stand a little taller.

A set of muscles in your back called the postural muscles are always working to keep you body up. If you have poor posture these muscles can get over worked and stretched or tightened. When this occurs over a long period of time the muscles stop working properly and can cause muscle damage and severe back pain. When you have good posture pressure is spread evenly throughout your spin, muscles and ligaments so no one area as too much or too little pressure. Having good posture can also decrease headaches as well as neck and back pain. Being slouched over for extended periods of time can cause a lack of oxygen to go to your lungs. Sitting upright with proper posture makes it easier to breath and as a result will give you more energy.

While having good posture comes with obvious health benefits it may seem difficult to change your habits. Making simple changes to the way you sit or stand can make a big difference on your overall posture. When sitting keep your feet on the floor, they should not be dangling. Make sure your ankles are in front of your knees and keep a couple inches between your knees and the chair. Your knees should never be at a higher level than your hips. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your forearms parallel to the ground. The most important thing to keep in mind while sitting is to not stay in the same position for too long. Get up and move around to keep your body active. When standing always keep your weight on the balls of your feet. Your feet should be shoulder width apart with your knees slightly bent. Stand tall with your shoulders pulled back and your arms naturally hanging at your sides. If you have to stand for a long period of time try shifting your weight from one foot to the other or from your toes to your heels to switch it up.

Having proper posture only takes a couple of corrections. If you make little changes for a couple of days it will start to feel natural and you will notice your mood and overall health changing for the better.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes seems like a very common disease today. About 14 million people in the United States have some form of diabetes. However, most people don’t fully understand the symptoms, implications or treatment options for people suffering from diabetes. Many people suffering from diabetes are unaware of it, causing the disease to go untreated which can ultimately be life threatening. Education is the ultimate treatment for diabetes, by learning about the disease people will be able to know if they have diabetes and can begin the various treatment options available.

Our bodies rely on glucose to create energy. In order for this to happen though our bodies use a hormone called insulin. People with diabetes either don’t produce insulin or produce insulin that doesn’t work properly. Without insulin glucose cannot be turned into energy and insulin builds up in the bloodstream, causing levels to go extremely high. When this happens your organs stop function properly and serious damage can occur. This type of damage can be easily prevented if the person is aware of the disease and properly educated on treatment. Diabetics can measure their glucose levels regularly to make sure everything is alright. If levels are too high they are able to inject insulin into their body to regulate it.

Two different types of diabetes have been classified, Type I and Type II. Generally, Type I is diagnosed in people under the age of 20. People with Type I are unable to make insulin in their bodies and must take regular insulin injections to regulate glucose levels. Type II is usually diagnosed in patients that are age 40 and over. This type of diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use the insulin how it should. Insulin is still produced, it is just unable to be used. For some cases treatment is very similar to those with Type I diabetes with keep the disease under control by monitoring glucose levels and injecting insulin when necessary. Since people with Type II still do produce insulin some patients are able to take medicine to help their bodies respond to the existing insulin. While genetics do play a factor, about 90 percent of all people diagnosed with Type II diabetes are overweight. In addition to medicine Type II diabetics can manage the disease by losing weight, exercising and avoiding stress. In some cases making changes to live a more healthy lifestyle can help the body to start responding to the insulin again.

Living with diabetes is all about being able to check and maintain glucose levels in the body. Unfortunately almost half of all Type II diabetics are unaware they have the disease and are therefore unable to start any treatments. People who are at a higher risk should be aware of the symptoms and get screened for diabetes regularly. Some groups that are particularly high risk include people whose parents have diabetes, those who are overweight or pregnant and African-Americans and Hispanics. While screening is especially important for these people it is a good idea for everyone to be screened. By being aware of the disease and how to treat it diabetes can be easily regulated and maintained.