Posture & Postural Defects: FAQs for JSS 2 Students

1. What is posture?

2. What is postural defect?. Explain 4 causes of postural defects

3. Explain the following postural defects:

I. Scoliosis

II. Lordosis

iii. Kyphosis

iv. Genu valgum

v. Genu varum

vi. Abdominal ptosis

1. What is posture?
   • Posture refers to the way your body is positioned when you’re sitting, standing, or lying down. It’s important to have good posture to avoid strain on your muscles and joints.
2. What is postural defect? Explain 4 causes of postural defects:
   • A postural defect is a condition where there is an abnormal alignment of the body parts, causing poor posture. Four common causes of postural defects include: a) Poor sitting or standing habits b) Weak muscles c) Injury or trauma d) Genetic factors
3. Explanation of postural defects:
   • I. Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. Example: Imagine your spine forming an “S” shape instead of being straight.
   • II. Lordosis: Lordosis is an excessive inward curvature of the spine, commonly known as “swayback.” Example: When someone stands, their lower back curves inward more than usual.
   • III. Kyphosis: Kyphosis is an excessive outward curvature of the upper back, often called “hunchback” or “roundback.” Example: When someone stands, their upper back appears rounded.
   • IV. Genu valgum: Genu valgum, also known as “knock knees,” is a condition where the knees angle inward and touch when standing straight. Example: When someone stands with their knees together, their lower legs bow outward.
   • V. Genu varum: Genu varum, also known as “bow legs,” is a condition where the knees remain wide apart when standing straight. Example: When someone stands with their feet together, there is a noticeable gap between their knees.
   • VI. Abdominal ptosis: Abdominal ptosis is the sagging or drooping of the abdomen. Example: When someone stands, their abdomen protrudes forward and appears to sag.

POSTURE AND POSTURAL DEFECTS

Title: Understanding Posture and Common Postural Defects

Hello JSS 2 students in Lagos State,

Today, we’re going to talk about something very important for our health: posture! 🚶‍♂️

What is posture? Posture is how we sit, stand, or lie down. It’s like the way we hold our bodies. Good posture means our bodies are in the right position, which helps us feel comfortable and stay healthy.

What is a postural defect? Sometimes, our posture isn’t right, and that’s called a postural defect. It’s when our body parts aren’t aligned the way they should be. This can happen for different reasons, like sitting or standing the wrong way, having weak muscles, getting hurt, or because of our genes.

Common Postural Defects:

1. Scoliosis: Imagine your spine forming an “S” shape instead of being straight. That’s scoliosis! It happens when the spine curves sideways.
2. Lordosis: When someone’s lower back curves inward too much, it’s called lordosis. It’s like having a big arch in your lower back when you stand.
3. Kyphosis: Kyphosis is when the upper back is too rounded, like a hunchback. It makes the shoulders look rounded forward.
4. Genu valgum: Knock knees happen when the knees touch each other but the lower legs bow outwards, like an arch.
5. Genu varum: Bow legs happen when the knees stay wide apart, even when the feet are together. It’s like having a big gap between the knees.
6. Abdominal ptosis: This is when the belly sags or droops forward. It’s like having a tummy that sticks out a lot when standing.

Factors that Influence Posture

Class Activity Discussion about Posture and Postural Defects:

1. What does “posture” mean?
   • Posture is how we hold our bodies when we sit, stand, or lie down.
2. What is a “postural defect”?
   • A postural defect is when our body parts aren’t aligned correctly, causing problems with how we stand or sit.
3. Why is good posture important?
   • Good posture helps us feel comfortable, prevents pain, and keeps our bodies healthy.
4. What are some common causes of postural defects?
   • Common causes include sitting or standing the wrong way, weak muscles, injuries, or family traits.
5. How can I tell if I have a postural defect?
   • You might notice your back isn’t straight, your shoulders are rounded, or your knees are too close or too far apart.
6. What is “scoliosis”?
   • Scoliosis is when the spine curves sideways, making an “S” shape.
7. What is “lordosis”?
   • Lordosis is when the lower back curves inward too much, making it look like you have a big arch in your back.
8. What is “kyphosis”?
   • Kyphosis is when the upper back is too rounded, making your shoulders look hunched forward.
9. What are “knock knees”?
   • Knock knees happen when the knees touch each other but the lower legs bow outwards, like an arch.
10. What are “bow legs”?
    • Bow legs happen when the knees stay wide apart, even when the feet are together, creating a gap between the knees.
11. What is “abdominal ptosis”?
    • Abdominal ptosis is when the belly sags or droops forward, making it stick out a lot when standing.
12. Can postural defects be fixed?
    • Yes, some can be improved with exercises, braces, or surgery, but it’s essential to address them early.
13. How can I improve my posture?
    • You can improve your posture by sitting up straight, standing tall, and doing exercises to strengthen your muscles.
14. Is it okay to slouch when sitting or standing?
    • No, slouching can lead to postural defects and discomfort. Try to sit and stand up straight.
15. Should I see a doctor if I think I have a postural defect?
    • Yes, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or a health professional if you’re concerned about your posture or any pain you might be feeling.

GOOD POSTURE

1. Posture refers to how we ________ our bodies. a) move b) hold c) sleep d) eat
2. A postural defect happens when our body parts aren’t aligned ________. a) correctly b) randomly c) softly d) quickly
3. Good posture helps us feel comfortable and prevents ________. a) joy b) pain c) laughter d) sleepiness
4. Weak muscles can contribute to ________ defects. a) postural b) musical c) physical d) colorful
5. Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves ________. a) forwards b) backwards c) sideways d) upwards
6. Lordosis causes an excessive inward curve of the ________. a) neck b) spine c) legs d) arms
7. Kyphosis results in an excessive outward curve of the ________. a) lower back b) upper back c) shoulders d) hips
8. Knock knees occur when the knees touch but the lower legs ________. a) bend outwards b) bend inwards c) stay straight d) disappear
9. Bow legs happen when the knees stay wide apart, creating a gap between the ________. a) shoulders b) feet c) knees d) hands
10. Abdominal ptosis causes the belly to ________ or droop forward. a) shrink b) expand c) sag d) disappear
11. Postural defects can be improved with exercises, braces, or ________. a) surgery b) swimming c) dancing d) sleeping
12. It’s important to address postural defects ________. a) late b) early c) never d) sometimes
13. Sitting up straight and standing tall can help improve ________. a) posture b) sleep c) eating d) playing
14. Slouching when sitting or standing can lead to ________. a) comfort b) postural defects c) happiness d) strength
15. It’s a good idea to talk to a doctor if you’re concerned about your posture or any ________. a) pain b) joy c) laughter d) sleepiness