How Strong Is Your Back?
Healthy posture and proper form is a product of a strong back. A weak back is what can lead to problems with posture, form, and further health issues. Your back is divided into two parts: Upper and Lower. The upper back provides a foundation for the shoulder girdle and supports our head and neck. The lower back is primarily involved in lifting, carrying and supporting our upright posture. The muscles in your back help dictate how these limbs can function and how much protection surrounds your spine. Your spine is highly important to the functioning of your body and condition of your health. Having a strong back will help you with mobility, day to day movement, lifting, holding proper posture and even boost your confidence. When you have a stronger back, you walk more upright and hold your head high, showing confidence in your stride. Having a strong back also helps improve your quality of life. A strong lower back will help keep your hip flexors and core in good shape for functional movements or training. Your lower back will also play a huge role in supporting your posture and helping with daily tasks such as lifting, standing, sitting and squatting with proper form.
Hundreds celebrate life of Scotts Valley High theater student
Last Friday, June 7, about 700 people—550 on-site and 150 by live streaming—joined together to laugh, to cry and to honor the too short but incredibly loving life of Milo Anima.
The Celebration of Life, entitled “Milo was Meant for the Stage,” was held at...
Scotts Valley centenarian reflects on a life well-lived
After an eventful life working in a San Francisco bank during World War II, then in a communications company in the early days of Silicon Valley, Alice Larum spent her 100th birthday reflecting, while at home in Scotts Valley last week.
Larum invited the Press...
Allergy mitigation landscaping
According to historical records for our area the pollen count is mostly moderate in February. Depending on the weather, Pollen.com and Pollenlibrary.com show medium to high counts only for a few days this month. If you’re an allergy sufferer you don’t need a website...
New leaders bring fresh energy to Boulder Creek Business Association
The season of spring is a time of renewal. From blooming bulbs to animals awaking from hibernation, the onset of warmer weather and longer days is a welcome change from the dark depths of winter.
In Boulder Creek, the local business association has a new...
Santa Cruz photographers unveil striking ‘Through Our Eyes’ exhibit
Santa Cruz County is all about its art, and Image Crafters, a collective of photographers based in Santa Cruz County who share a passion for the power of the printed image, are thrilled to bring their imagery to life at “Through Our Eyes 2025,”...
Scotts Valley Pirates capture District 39 Minor League TOC title
Scotts Valley Little League AAA Pirates etched their names into District 39 history on June 15, edging out the Santa Cruz Little League AAA Angels 9-8 in a heart-pounding championship showdown to become the 2025 Minor League Tournament of Champions (TOC) winners.
This marks the...
The Mountain Gardener: A world of cacti in San Lorenzo Valley
There are species of cactus that grow all over North and South America and have been naturalized in Africa, Asia and Australia.
Scotts Valley artist’s work chosen for ‘Expressions of the Valley’ book cover
Scotts Valley creative soul and activist Karen Kaplan is making her latest splash with dual contributions in a new book titled “Expressions of the Valley.”
Her colored pencil drawing “Exploring Glenwood”—that she drew with Caran D’Ache aquarelle watercolor pencils on parchment paper—was chosen as the...
The Mountain Gardener: The Best Dogwoods and How to Grow Them
There’s nothing like learning about trees from someone who has discovered for themselves what makes a winner and how to grow it.
News Briefs | Published Sept. 12, 2025
Fun run, emergency preparedness fair set for Saturday
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the City of Santa Cruz will be hosting Race the Wave, a 3K...