I cannot believe it’s that time again.
It seems every year I put off my lab work until I get a few calls from my CPC office.
It’s not that it hurts or that the people aren’t nice.
Just seems like I get a bit lazy getting it done. But, just four or five of the numbers on this report make a difference in whether or not I am healthy and active.
So, here it is…
Do you know what the FOUR most important numbers in your annual report are?
It’s funny, we can rattle off our cell phone and Social Security numbers without breathing hard. But can you recite the numbers that add up to good health, your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar level and body mass index?
These four measurements are crucial factors in your overall health especially related to risks for heart attack and stroke. Unlike your family history, ethnicity and gender – which cannot be changed – these factors can be altered with the small choices you make every day.
BLOOD PRESSURE – 120/80 mm Hg or less
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL – Total blood cholesterol lower than 200 mg/dl
LDL cholesterol less than 100 mg/dl
HDL cholesterol greater than 60 mg/dl
Triglycerides – should be under 150 mg/dl
FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE – Up to 100 mg/dl
Levels of 100 to 125 mg/dl point to prediabetes
Anything above 125 mg/dl falls into the diabetic range
BODY MASS INDEX – YOUR target: 18.5 24.9
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ARE “GENERAL” RANGES. EVERYONE MEASURES DIFFERENTLY. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR OWN MEDICAL PROVIDER.
THE good news is, if your health care provider says you are HIGH in any one of those ranges, you CAN make small changes to improve them!
Whether you need to lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose or SMI, these five steps can get you back on track.
- Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity – walking, jogging, swimming, biking or dancing – five days a week.
- Eat heart healthy. Fill your plate with fruits and veggies, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy.
- Quit smoking.
- Limit alcohol. One drink daily for women and two for men.
- Ask about medications. Your doctor may want to prescribe something to help your healthy change achieve maximum effect.
Ok. Book it now. Make your annual physical appointment while you are thinking about it:)
And, I’d love to know if this is information you enjoy getting from me. Please leave a comment with your thoughts.
Stay healthy and keep MOVING!
xo,