One of the things I
am passionate about and try and push in my talks is the need for people to take
control of their lives, especially those of us who have 'been there, done that'
and survived a heart attack. I talk about the need to 'know your numbers', including
blood pressure, cholesterol (good and bad) and HbA1C levels (especially if you
are diabetic like me), heartbeat rate, TSH levels (again, if like me you have a
thyroid condition), weight, BMI, etc. I try and stress the need for people to
have regular blood tests and suggest they ask their doctors for a copy of the
test results so that they can monitor their levels.
http://strokefoundation.com.au/know-your-numbers/
Know Your Numbers Checklist:
http://www.bluehealthadvantagene.com/individuals/tools-and-programs/know-your-numbers/
Are you at risk for diabetes, heart disease and
other chronic diseases? And how do you know? Thankfully there is a system of
“numbers” we can use to tell us how we compare to the healthy state. By knowing
your numbers, you can take action to make positive changes that will help
prevent the onset of chronic health conditions. Some of the numbers that are
important for you to know are:
* Blood Pressure – This is one of the strongest markers for heart disease risk. It is measured as two numbers. Systolic pressure is the first number and is the pressure when the heart is contracting. Diastolic is the second number and is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is 120 / 80 or below.
* Cholesterol Levels – Too much bad cholesterol can lead to a hardening of your arteries. This can put you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. When it comes to cholesterol, there are two important numbers you should know. LDL, is the bad cholesterol, and should be below 130 mg/dL, and lower is better. HDL, is good cholesterol, and should be above 40 mg/dL. Your total cholesterol (TC) level should be below 200 mg/dL.
* Blood Sugar – A blood sugar test is commonly used to diagnose the presence of diabetes. A fasting blood sugar (taken when you haven’t eaten for 12 hours) should be below 100 mg/dL.
* Body Mass Index (BMI) – This is calculated from two other numbers that you probably know – your weight and height. Your BMI will be one way to gauge if you are classified as being overweight. However, it is not a perfect measure. In people with above normal muscle mass, like bodybuilders, the BMI may indicate the individual is overweight when they are in great condition. For most of us, however, BMI is a great way to gauge how our weight compares to recommended levels. To calculate your BMI, go to the tools section of BlueHealth Advantage where you will find a BMI calculator. Normal BMI is below 25.
* Blood Pressure – This is one of the strongest markers for heart disease risk. It is measured as two numbers. Systolic pressure is the first number and is the pressure when the heart is contracting. Diastolic is the second number and is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. Normal blood pressure is 120 / 80 or below.
* Cholesterol Levels – Too much bad cholesterol can lead to a hardening of your arteries. This can put you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. When it comes to cholesterol, there are two important numbers you should know. LDL, is the bad cholesterol, and should be below 130 mg/dL, and lower is better. HDL, is good cholesterol, and should be above 40 mg/dL. Your total cholesterol (TC) level should be below 200 mg/dL.
* Blood Sugar – A blood sugar test is commonly used to diagnose the presence of diabetes. A fasting blood sugar (taken when you haven’t eaten for 12 hours) should be below 100 mg/dL.
* Body Mass Index (BMI) – This is calculated from two other numbers that you probably know – your weight and height. Your BMI will be one way to gauge if you are classified as being overweight. However, it is not a perfect measure. In people with above normal muscle mass, like bodybuilders, the BMI may indicate the individual is overweight when they are in great condition. For most of us, however, BMI is a great way to gauge how our weight compares to recommended levels. To calculate your BMI, go to the tools section of BlueHealth Advantage where you will find a BMI calculator. Normal BMI is below 25.
http://www.bluehealthadvantagene.com/individuals/tools-and-programs/know-your-numbers/
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