Many people go through life without giving much thought to their posture. That is, until they need a hip or knee replacement, develop osteoporosis or until their body sends a clear, undeniable message in the form of pain that joints were overworked and other muscles were underutilized.

Gregg J. Carb, a chiropractor and author of "The Science of Sitting Made Simple," says proper posture is essential to good health because it helps evenly distribute stress and strain on the body. And it's as much an issue for the youth carrying a heavy backpack to school as it is for senior citizens.

Most people think posture comes into play only when the body is in motion. However, that's a common mistake many people make. Posture is important for almost everything we do, whether it's sleeping, sitting, standing, playing sports, lifting, carrying or setting down objects, or being involved in most other activities.

"It's a bigger public health issue than most people realize," says Carb, who also studies ergonomics. "The disc pressures in the spine are greater sitting and slouching forward than any other position."

The damaging effect of poor posture can trigger rapid deterioration and degeneration on the body, especially on smaller limbs, Carb says.

DEFINING PROPER

So what's the difference? Slouching shoulders, lowered head and locked knees are signs of poor posture. Proper posture evenly distributes the body's weight. Keep feet slightly apart, knees straight, shoulders back and chin slightly tucked in.

There's a psychological benefit to maintaining good posture, according to Carb. People who maintain proper posture are perceived on a subconscious level as being more healthy and their upright frame carries a more youthful appearance, he says.

Susanne Baum, a Pilates instructor from Cherry Hill, equated good posture to proper alignment of a car.

"People don't realize that when your body is in alignment, it then runs at peak efficiency," Baum says. She pointed out that a car that needs an alignment won't run well even if you've properly inflated the tires and washed, waxed and detailed it.

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