That's Fit

Scientists in Britain think so. According to them, the position in which you hold your body plays a major role in maintaining your blood pressure.

New Scientist magazine reports that the studies suggest that good posture could help keep blood pressure levels normal while bad posture could increase it.

Posture is the position in which a body is held upright against gravity while standing, sitting or lying down. And good posture involves training a body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and spine during movement or weight-bearing activities.

Scientists had earlier suspected the link between the muscles in the neck, blood pressure and heart rate. Now, they have found a direct connection between these neck muscles and a part of the brain stem, which plays a crucial role in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. Researchers also claim that their findings could explain why blood pressure and heart rate sometimes change when the neck muscles are injured.

Similarly, it is possible that hours spent hunched over a computer may raise blood pressure.

Sometimes when I'm working, I'll suddenly notice my posture and it usually isn't good. Slouched down, leaning back into my chair, feet up on my printer -- I'm a walking (well, sitting) advertisement for how not to sit while working. I'll correct it, but find myself slowly and over time returning to that original position.

If you spend a lot of time at a desk or in your car, take a look at this visual reminder to keep your posture in check. It gives some quick and easy tips to get your posture back in line. Good posture prevents back pain, improves circulation, and can even help you organs function properly. And remember that bad posture is a habit and like any bad habit it may take time to break. Not sure what's the proper way to sit? Check out this article for some more helpful advice.

One Small Step is our attempt to show you all how easy it can be to improve your health, and the health of the planet. Each week, we'll take one more little step and encourage you to take it with us. In honor of this week, I'll commit to:

Improving Posture:

Yeah, I know. We've all been told by our mothers hundreds of times to sit up straight and stop slouching, but how many of us actually listened? I know I often find myself slouched over the computer or lounging with back bent across the couch. But good posture is important. Not only can it make you look thinner and more confident, it can help keep your spine in good health for years to come. Check out this article for more information. It has great suggestions on improving your posture at work, when sleeping, etc.

Are you with me?