Posture and an Inspirational Poem.

Today in functional anatomy class, we learned about posture. As doctors, we will be responsible for teaching our patients The Three Es of Postural Rehabilitation:
1) Education (teach what is a healthy posture when sitting, standing, and sleeping)
2) Ergonomics (teach what optimal ergonomics are and how to modify work and home conditions in order to become more ergonomically)
3) Exercise (teach exercises that help maintain fitness, balance, and healthy spinal curves, and exercises that are relaxing)

We learned a lot of techniques to improve posture; here are just a few ways to improve seated posture:
1) Rest the spine on the back of the chair (this especially helpful if the chair is curved to match the natural curves of the back)
2) Use the body's postural muscles to keep the seated position (i.e. sit on an exercise ball and use postural muscles in order to maintain balance... when sitting on the ball it will be easy to fall off unless muscles are coordinated)
3) Keep a small cushion or rolled-up towel behind the lower back (lumbar spine region) (this will help to maintain the proper primary and secondary curves of the spine)
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I recently received a magnet with this poem printed on it:

This is my wish for you...
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Comfort on difficult days,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
Love to complete your life.

Pretty nice, eh?