YOUR MOTHER WAS RIGHT (SORT OF) 4 Reasons Good Posture Really Does Matter
“If you don’t sit straight, you’re going to get a hunchback!”
to digestive problems, including acid reflux and constipation.
3. Slouching leads to headaches. When you slouch, you force your head to crane forward, creating chronic tension in the muscles of the neck and back. Many headaches are the result of this “tech neck” pose. 4. Good posture is better for your muscles and joints. Think of your body like a building. When you sit upright, everything is aligned and weight is disputed evenly. By slouching, you force more stress on certain parts of your body, like your spine. This leads to muscle pain, overuse disorders, and chronic pain. “Posture isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about keeping the entire body functioning normally,” says Dr. Marilyn Moffat, a professor of physical therapy at New York University. Poor posture is a real threat to our health. Many Americans
Heard at every dinner table whenever a child is slouching, this is the anthem of concerned mothers across the United States. It turns out, Mom was right (like always). Bad posture really can have a negative impact on your body. Here are four reasons to be more aware of your posture. 1. Slouching makes it harder to breathe. When you slouch, you restrict the range of motion of your sternum and rib cage. By sitting upright, your sternum can expand fully, making it easier to breathe deeply and get your body the oxygen it needs. 2. Good posture improves circulation and digestion. Slouching compresses your inner abdominal organs. This means your heart is working a little harder and your gastrointestinal apparatus is impaired. Poor posture can contribute
spend most of their time sitting, either at their work desks, in their cars, or in front of the TV. Build good posture by sitting up straight and tall, keeping shoulders back, and placing both feet flat on the floor. While poor posture never forced anyone to move into a bell tower, it’s clear that our posture really impacts our overall health.
Inspired by Food Network Apple Cider Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients •
• • • • • •
Salt and pepper to taste 4 boneless chicken breasts
1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved 2 gala apples, cut into wedges 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• • • •
1 tsp rosemary leaves, finely chopped
2 tbsp butter, divided 2/3 cup apple cider 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 sprigs rosemary
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Directions 1. Heat oven to 450 F. 2. On a baking sheet, toss Brussels sprouts, apples, onion, and rosemary sprigs in olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Roast vegetable and fruit mixture until tender, about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. 4. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary. 5. In an ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook 6 minutes on one side. Flip and cook 2 more minutes. 6. Pour cider onto chicken. Roast in the oven for 12 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest on cutting board. 7. Return skillet to stove on medium-high and simmer sauce until reduced by half. 8. Swirl remaining 1 tbsp of butter with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slice chicken and divide among plates with roasted vegetables and serve.
Made with FlippingBook Annual report