New Britain herald., 1925-10-28
Your Health
How TO Keep 1t
Causes of Illness

BY DIR. HUGH S. CUMMING
Surgeon General, United States
Public Health Service
Few people realize the impor-
lance of posture to health. AL
though the fact is more generally
recognized that correct posture
adds grace and beauty, this fact
has been overemphasized and the
more important results OF good
posture upon the health of the in
dividual have not been sufficiently
stressed. A
While 1t is true that The correct
ing of improper pastures promotes
pose and snakes for beauty, il in
equally true that an erect carriage
has a marked effect upon the gem
era health. A slouChing. STOPPING
posture, in addition to being very
objectionable, cramps the lungs
and interferes with their proper
functions. To walk with head up.
with shoulders back and the toes
straight forward and TO do so with
ease is by no means an unimpor-
tant accomplishment and such a
posture is a distinct health asset.
While few people can qualify as
models in posture, the fact re-
mains that 10 stand and walk cor
rectly is easy and to acquire habits
of good posture requires far less eff
fort than might be imagined. The
I,- Loo, to CT RI n
| the head, neck and trunk form a
vertical rather than curved or
| z,g-zag line will soon find that the
| beneficial results of such posture
are only too evident. A recognition
OF the faults Of ones posture Is the
first step toward their correction
and toward the attainment Of the
grace of movement and health
which is desired.
Correct posture In sitting as we'll
person who slouches or slumps low
| In a chair while eating not only
presents a disagreeable appearance
but binders the digestive processes,
cramps the lungs, and lessons his
chances of good health generally.
Many people who have learned
correct posture in walking and sit
ting often slip into careless habits
OF relaxation when reading. 1t is
not unusual to find those who stand
tall and stand straight and walk
with ease and grace. with Shout
ders thrown back and head erect,
falling to sit properly when read.
ing. These same people will sit
hunched for hours, with lungs con-
tracted and head hung loosely for
ward, in posture that is distinct
| ~ detrimental to health.
Beauty Comes With Good Posture
Beauty. efficiency, health and
charm are all helped or hindered
by posture.
A good complexion, an intelli-
gent appearance and the charm
that comes from the person In good
health are not to be found In those
whose posture Is hindering the nat
ural functioning Of the, various or
gans Of the body.
Remember that few things con-
tribute more to comfort or posture
; while walking or standing than
good, sensible shoes. Keep your
head up. stretch your neck, try to
touch some imaginary object with
your head frequently, throw out
your chest, and breathe deeply,
Do your reading and sitting in
an upright position including slight
ly backward and you will add ia
I your enjoyment of life "a your
) length of days and TO Ine respect
in which you are held by your as
sociates.
= Spine May Be Weakened
Students in particular and desi
workers should give due considera'
ton to the subject of posture
Habit, occupation, and environment
# are some of the main causes o
IS poor posture among desk workers
No doubt, habit plays the mos
important part. Bad sitting pos
lures are especially injurious. TIL,
d spine may become weakened from
l. lack of proper support, with tn
/ result that nervous troubles de
vclop. If we stop to consider tina
IS many men and women spend three
n fourths of their working hours Il
lie sitting positions VIC will realiz
'e what an important bearing correc
a. posture may have upon health.
Is Surprising results will be obtain
II ed by anyone who assiduously cul
n tivates correct posture and couple