Getting Started with Straighten Up: 10 Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations

“Straighten Up” is intended to be incorporated in a healthy lifestyle of prudent active living. Consistent healthy choices and healthful habits form the bedrock of a healthy life. Our hope is that you make “Straighten Up” a daily part of a vibrant empowering lifestyle for the whole family.

Please note: Consult with your doctor of chiropractic or other health care provider before practicing the Straighten Up Exercises, especially if you have spinal disabilities or other disorders which limit movement.

1. Choose to improve. You are worth it. Maintain a positive perspective. Take small steps at first; set specific measurable health goals and achieve them. Celebrate your health successes; learn from temporary setbacks and move on. Choose to see life as an adventure. Keep learning for a lifetime.
2. Choose to enjoy healthy, invigorating activity at least 30 minutes daily when possible. Begin slowly, making gradual improvements. Keep an activity log or calendar. If you buy a pedometer, you can count and track your steps. Choosing active hobbies will add variety and spice to your life. Exercise for flexibility, balance, strength and endurance. Perform “Straighten Up” daily to improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles.
3. Choose to live tobacco free for your personal health and for your loved ones. Tobacco has detrimental effects on your nervous system and skeletal structures, as well as on your lungs and heart.

4. Choose healthy foods. Eat naturally. Enjoy whole grain breads and cereals. Choose several daily servings of fresh fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. Calcium and magnesium rich foods help to build strong spinal columns. Avoid saturated and trans fats found in fast, fried foods. Instead eat more omega 3 fats from flax products, walnuts and small ocean fish for healthy spinal joints. Choose high quality protein foods. Avoid refined sweets, such as sodas, cookies and candy. When supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals, make quality choices. Eating in a relaxed atmosphere enhances digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
5. Choose good posture while sitting, standing or lifting. Hold your head high; keep your shoulders back. Lift by bending your legs with objects held close to your torso. This helps to prevent injury. Take frequent mini breaks. Segments of “Straighten Up” work well for this purpose. Change work positions often.
6. Choose a balanced supportive book bag/back pack for school, work or recreation. Carry less weight at one time. Use a bag with broad, padded straps securely positioned on both shoulders.
7. Choose a comfortable supportive mattress. For optimal spinal health sleep on your side or on your back, not face down. Plan for sufficient restful sleep.
8. Choose to be quiet. The stress of life impacts your health and your posture. Take time for relaxation and renewal. Practice thankfulness and positive thinking. Reflect, pray or meditate daily. Read uplifting writings.
9. Choose to serve others. Volunteerism and service enhance the quality of our lives and our relationships.
10. Choose to be kind to your spine. Regular spinal health check-ups, care and exercises help to ensure that your spine is balanced, aligned and well-adjusted. A healthy spine and nervous system add balance and harmony to life.

Disclaimer: Consult a medical professional to diagnose and treat back problems

Please note that the content in “Straighten Up America/World” has not been peer-reviewed by Spine-health.com medical advisors. This section is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical help or advice.

Spine-health.com does not offer medical advice or treatment. This information does not replace the physician-patient relationship, and the information is not medical advice or treatment. Patients should always seek the advice of a trained health professional for back pain or any health condition. Please note that the contents of this section have not been peer reviewed by Spine-health.com’s Medical Advisory Board.

Copyright 2006 Straighten Up America. Permission to duplicate granted.