vPOSTURE continued from page 13 vBy Julie Eickhoff Practice Makes Perfect Jansen suggested that it will take both time and practice to improve posture, also suggesting the following to assist in posture improvement: keep your weight down, avoid long periods of inactivity, participate in regular exercise and stretching, limit time in high heels as they alter posture, choosing heels less than 1 ½ inches tall with a wide base of support. Adamson suggested that with society becoming more prone to sitting at a computer or a television, we are becoming less active and have less time to care for our bodies. “Feel free to call a physical therapist about your posture. There may be a simple solution with a couple stretches or exercises along with a work modification to improve your nagging aches and pains.” rsen Carpet La 212 Walnut|605.665.2067 Historic Downtown Yankton Expert health care for all ages Mary Jo Olson, MD; Chan Park, MD; Anastasia Searcy, DO; Anthony Burbach, PA-C; Melissa Shefl, PA-C, Art Pepper, CNP Make a personal, lifelong connection with the family medicine team at Sanford Vermillion. Our team specializes in preventive care as well as the diagnosis and management of chronic conditions. Call (605) 677-3700 to schedule an appointment. 018027-00112 Rev. 12/15 14vHERVOICEvMAY/JUNE 2016 Laminate | Porcelain | Resilient | Hardwood Jansen described proper posture for sitting at your desk: your back should be against the chair, feet flat on the floor, knees bent to 90 degrees and ears over shoulders and shoulders over hips. Do not lean forward to see your computer screen and adjust the screen so that it is within an arm’s reach of you. The top of the viewing screen should be at eye level. Huber added that a person who sits at a desk for work can improve posture by standing with every phone call. She also suggested to use a lumbar roll when seated at your desk, sitting with hips slightly higher than the knees, elbows at desk height and wrists neutral while typing. As Huber stated, “Good posture has only one look, but bad posture can come in many styles!” I’ll admit, as I wrote this, my posture was in the forefront of my mind and I checked it often. Right now, I’m sitting up pretty straight. Later, I’m sure I’ll slip (old dog) but I have a great resource right here to put be back on the right path (new trick)!