If the news of the day has you slumping in your chair or hunching your shoulders, straighten up. Not only will you look more alert and attractive but you’ll also be putting yourself on a healthier path.

For an overview of good posture and how to maintain that upright appearance, take a look at this comprehensive Medline Guide to Good Posture. You’ll come to understand how poor posture can wear away at your spine, affecting balance, flexibility and even causing pain. You’ll also find some good suggestions and illustrations for how to improve your posture. And for further evidence of the health consequences of poor posture, including such gastrointestinal problems as incontinence, heartburn, and constipation, put down the Tums and take a look here. Finally, you may also want to scope out the recent posture advice in Consumer Reports, that includes exercises to align your spine at every age. So don’t let the current climate get you down- or slumping. Sit up and stand tall.