I am sure for a lot of us what comes to mind could either be our numerals, date of birth, phone numbers or even our account numbers, all of this is alright.
But do we know our health numbers that tell us how healthy or unhealthy we are—ones that could actually save our lives?
Let’s break them down below
Blood pressure reading: ideal range is 120/80 mmHg, if it’s too high it’s like a disaster waiting to happen same as when it’s too low. So go know what your blood pressure reading is today
Blood glucose level: This would help you know the amount of excess sugar there is in your blood. The ideal for when you haven’t eaten anything yet also known as “Fasting blood sugar” is 70-99mg/dl
Blood cholesterol level: Your body needs good cholesterol to develop healthy cells but bad cholesterol can lead to severe damage of vital organs such as the heart. The ideal total blood cholesterol level is less than 200mg/dl.
Body mass index (BMI): You would be surprised to know that a lot of people don’t know what their weight or height is and this is very important to know one’s BMI. It would help you know if you are either underweight or overweight or have just the right weight. The ideal BMI range is 18.5-24.9. Find in the image below how it is calculated
Waist circumference: This measures the level of abdominal fat— the level of internal fat deposits that is around your vital organs like the heart, kidney, liver etc. The ideal for men should be less than 102cm, for women less than 88cm. You can find in the image below how it is measured.
So, when was the last time you checked your numbers? If you haven’t, now is the perfect time! Book a health check-up this month and share this with a friend or family who needs a reminder!
Everyone of us is supposed to have these numbers at the top of our heads.
- You can walk into any pharmacy today to have at least your height, weight and blood pressure reading checked for free. Or in the cases where you have to pay it will be for a token
- You can use a tape rule to check your waist circumference at home.
- As for the blood cholesterol level you can go to the nearest lab around you to get that checked.
*Side note, the justrite pharmacy at Akiode bus stop checks your height, weight, and BP reading for free.
Finally, always make sure that when you visit the hospital for any purpose, always request for a copy of your lab report from your doctors.
Subsequently we would explore more on each of the readings mentioned and the medical conditions attached to them.
Stay Tuned… Let us stay Healthy together!!!!!!!!!!!!
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash