Surrounded by lifestyle ailments, we are constantly worried about our health, and the way we lead our lives. And while one should not get obsessed with our health, awareness is the key, and something that we should inculcate in our daily lives. Remember, any niggling health issue always starts with a single symptom, so it is always better to be prepared. Here are some basic health parameters everyone should be aware of...
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood. While the normal range should be 120/80, this can vary depending on age, lifestyle,weight etc. High BP is associated with almost all fatal conditions like stroke, heart disease and even liver issues. Keep your BP in check.
Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's found in all cells of the body, and it's necessary for the body to function properly. Ideally your total cholesterol should be under 200 mg/l. A build of cholesterol can block your arteries, and lead to stroke or heart diseases.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a measure of body fat based on a person's weight and height. Anything between 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal, so there is a slight variation here. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of various health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar (glucose) is the main source of energy for the body, and normal ranges should be less than 100 mg/dL. High blood sugar can lead to diabetes and other serious health problems.
Waist Circumference
Waist circumference measures the size of your waist, which can indicate the amount of abdominal fat. Here again, while normal ranges can vary, for women it should be less than 30-32 inches, and for men, less than 35-38. Excess abdominal fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.
Others
This apart, your resting heart rate should be between 60-100 beats per minute, and your body temperature around the 98.6°F mark. However, like explained earlier, these are just world benchmarks and individual cases may differ for each individual.
What can you do to ensure these?
Sleep adequately for eight hours every night
While it might be difficult to do that everyday, aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality, undisturbed sleep every night. It is okay to let go off once in a while, but overall, stick to a regimented sleep schedule.
Exercise regularly
This one is an oldie, but goodie. If you want to stay healthy life long, then exercise should be part of your routine, and not just a one off activity you do. Unless you are trying to lose weight, pick any activity that works for you - walking, running, pilates, gym, aerobics or zumba, swimming, and do it consistently - at least five times a week. Most importantly, mix it up to avoid boredom.
Take your supplements
Most of the time, our diets are not enough to cover up our dietary requirements. For this, it is important to choose the supplements that work best for you. However, do not self-medicate. Consult a nutritionist, and make an informed decision.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood. While the normal range should be 120/80, this can vary depending on age, lifestyle,weight etc. High BP is associated with almost all fatal conditions like stroke, heart disease and even liver issues. Keep your BP in check.
Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's found in all cells of the body, and it's necessary for the body to function properly. Ideally your total cholesterol should be under 200 mg/l. A build of cholesterol can block your arteries, and lead to stroke or heart diseases.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a measure of body fat based on a person's weight and height. Anything between 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal, so there is a slight variation here. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of various health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar (glucose) is the main source of energy for the body, and normal ranges should be less than 100 mg/dL. High blood sugar can lead to diabetes and other serious health problems.
Waist Circumference
Waist circumference measures the size of your waist, which can indicate the amount of abdominal fat. Here again, while normal ranges can vary, for women it should be less than 30-32 inches, and for men, less than 35-38. Excess abdominal fat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.
Others
This apart, your resting heart rate should be between 60-100 beats per minute, and your body temperature around the 98.6°F mark. However, like explained earlier, these are just world benchmarks and individual cases may differ for each individual.
What can you do to ensure these?
Sleep adequately for eight hours every night
While it might be difficult to do that everyday, aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality, undisturbed sleep every night. It is okay to let go off once in a while, but overall, stick to a regimented sleep schedule.
Exercise regularly
This one is an oldie, but goodie. If you want to stay healthy life long, then exercise should be part of your routine, and not just a one off activity you do. Unless you are trying to lose weight, pick any activity that works for you - walking, running, pilates, gym, aerobics or zumba, swimming, and do it consistently - at least five times a week. Most importantly, mix it up to avoid boredom.
Take your supplements
Most of the time, our diets are not enough to cover up our dietary requirements. For this, it is important to choose the supplements that work best for you. However, do not self-medicate. Consult a nutritionist, and make an informed decision.
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