DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My grandmother lives with me, and she is always nagging me to “stand up straight” and “put your shoulders back.” She says good posture will keep me healthy as I age. But I’m only 17. Does it really matter if I’m slouching a bit?

ANSWER: Though it may seem annoying, your grandmother is correct in that good posture supports good health. And starting good habits now, though it requires conscious effort, can help you throughout your life.

Proper body alignment can help prevent excess strain on your joints, muscles and spine — alleviating pain and reducing the likelihood of injury. As a bonus, correct posture can boost your productivity and mood, as well as help you use your muscles more efficiently. And starting good habits now can last a lifetime when they are needed most.

You may wonder: what does proper posture look like? Use the “wall test” to find out:

Unfortunately, ideal posture often is the exception rather than the rule. Poor posture can affect you from head to toe, contributing to several problems no matter your age.

These are among the most common problems resulting from poor posture:

Tips to improve your posture

Here are three ways to improve your posture while standing, sitting and lying in bed:

1. While walking, stand tall. Inhale, roll your shoulders up and back, then exhale and roll your shoulders down, as if you are gently tucking your shoulder blades into your back pockets.

2. Try seated pelvic tilts. Sit on the edge of a chair, place your hands on your thighs and rest your feet on the floor. Inhale and rock your pelvis and ribs forward while you open your chest and look upward. Exhale, rock your pelvis and spine back and look down toward the floor.

3. Do a wake-up or bedtime bridge pose. Lie on your back in bed with your knees bent and your feet resting on the mattress. Inhale, then slowly exhale and curl your tailbone to lift your buttocks and spine, one vertebra at a time, until your shoulder blades bear your weight. Pause and inhale, then slowly exhale as you roll your spine back down.

Improving your posture can help prevent or reverse many conditions. You’ll be amazed to see how your quality of life can improve — simply by standing a little taller. — Compiled by Mayo Clinic staff

(Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. This Mayo Clinic Q&A represents inquiries this healthcare expert has received from patients. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)

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