Is “Pandemic Posture” Aging You?
Since March, due to the pandemic, people the world over have typically spent more time on the couch watching Netflix and slumped over computers while working from home in less than ergonomically correct situations. With some gyms closed, this has led to less activity and more sitting, hunching and less walking. All of these factors can lead to poor posture. Conversely, the latest figures show that $16.7 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures in the U.S. All of that tweaking of facial and body parts means nothing if poor posture ages you, or reveals your real age. In fact, the wrong posture can even create an unflattering silhouette which kind of defeats the purpose of the latest fat melting and zapping techniques. Lastly, the wrong posture is bad for your health and even your frame of mind. Dr. Gbolahan Okubajejo is an NYC area Spinal and orthopedic surgeon www.nynjspine.com He can discuss some quick fixes for incorrect posture and the effects poor posture can have on a woman’s health.
Effects of Poor Posture on Health
Poor Posture deprives oxygen from your body and brain
When you slump, your brain, heart and lungs cannot function efficiently. Oxygen equals energy.
It weakens bones and muscles causing pain and injury
Forward head posture can cause back pain and other issues. It can be the culprit of “tech neck.” Every time you lean over even 60 degrees, whether over your phone, the computer, or good book, you’re adding up to 60 pounds of pressure on your neck.
It can make you depressed
Poor posture can result in increased stress, potentially leading to chronic stress. Correct posture in the face of adversity maintains self-esteem and elevates mood.
3 Quick Fixes For Great Posture
Develop a strong core
Research the exercises that will help you develop a strong core to support your back. This doesn’t mean you need to develop a six-pack.
Aim to make your core as strong as possible for your age. https://www.prevention.com/fitness/workouts/g30856105/best-ab-exercises-women/
Correcting Round Shoulders- Stretch your chest
Using an open doorframe, place your bent arms against either side of the door with your elbows in line with your shoulders. Adopt a staggered stance and push your chest forward until you feel a stretch in the chest. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds or until the muscles relax before forcibly pushing your elbows against the doorframe to create muscular tension (try not to generate any movement) for five seconds. Relax and increase the stretch. Repeat this three times before holding the stretch in place for 30–60 seconds.
Walking with your pelvis forward-
Stretch the hip flexors
Get in a lunge position with your back knee on the floor. Maintaining an upright body position, squeeze your glute muscle on the back leg and push the hips forwards. Hold this position for 30–60 seconds, increasing the depth of the stretch as you adapt. To increase the stretch, try taking the arms up overhead.
About the Doctor
Gbolahan Okubadejo, MD, FAAOS, leads The Institute for Comprehensive Spine Care, with offices in the greater New York City area, as a spinal and orthopedic surgeon. Board-certified and fellowship-trained, Dr. Okubadejo specializes in the treatment of degenerative spinal disease, spinal deformity, and cervical, lumbar, and thoracic conditions.
Dr. Okubadejo earned his undergraduate degree at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. He completed his internship and orthopedic surgery residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Dr. Okubadejo completed a spinal surgery fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Okubadejo is a published research author and has presented his findings at several major spinal conferences around the globe. While a surgical resident, he won the Leonard Marmor Surgical Arthritis Foundation Resident Award for the best research project.
In 2017, Dr. Okubadejo formed company 360 Dynamized Core, which is focused on creating innovative, spine safe core fitness products and routines. The first patented product, 360
CoreBoard, launched to the market in 2020. Find out more at 360coreboard.com
Dr. Okubadejo believes in the power of preventive care, minimally invasive surgical procedures, open communication with patients, and personalized care. When he’s not caring for patients, he enjoys traveling, learning about different cultures and the arts, and playing golf.
