Your posture can tell a lot about your personality. It also says a lot about how your joints and muscles are working.

Imagine a powerful, confident person standing in front of you. What kind of posture does that person have? without a doubt the person is standing tall with an open chest and a head held high. It's a person who looks ready to take on the world.

>> Do YOU want to be that person? Here's what you need to know about assessing your posture and how to improve it!

Straighten Up

A great way to prevent posture problems? Stand up tall. You'll feel better and look better - slimmer, even. Pretend you’re standing against a wall to measure your height. Hold your head straight and tuck in your chin. Your ears should be over the middle of your shoulders. Stand with your shoulders back, knees straight, and belly tucked in. Don't let your booty or hips stick out!

Don't Slump at Your Desk

It's comfy to slouch, but it’s a no-no posture. Try this: Sit all the way back in your chair. Place a small, rolled-up towel behind your mid-back to protect your spine's natural curve. Bend your knees at a right angle and keep them the same height as your hips. Place your feet flat on the floor.

Save Heels for a Big Night Out

They might be a yes in the fashion world, but they’re a no-good to your posture. Pumps and stilettos thrust the base of your spine forward, which over-arches your back. That can change the way your backbone lines up and put pressure on nerves, which causes back pain. Sky-high shoes also put more weight on your knees.

Exercise and Tone Your Abs

Extra weight around your belly puts added stress on your back. You need strong muscles to support your spine. A well-designed workout plan will keep your body and spine in a great shape.

Check for Problems

You probably know if you slouch or not. If you aren’t sure, here's a quick way to tell. Place the back of your head against a wall. Move your feet 6 inches out from the baseboard. Your tush should touch the wall. Your lower back and your neck should be about 2 inches from it. If not, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your posture.