Ask almost anyone for their date of birth, social security number, or phone number, and they rattle them off with little to no thought. These personal identifiers impact almost every facet of our lives so we memorize them at an early age. However, there are a few other essential numbers we should know: health metrics that not only equip us to make informed health decisions, but empower us to become our own best advocates as we navigate a complex sickcare system.
There are four key health metrics every individual should be aware of: Waist Circumference, Cholesterol Profile, Blood Pressure, and Blood Glucose. You don’t have to be an expert, but knowing your specific numbers helps you track your progress and make lifestyle changes that can prevent or significantly reduce the onset of chronic diseases.
Waist Circumference, something we often overlook, measures fat around the waist. Although society emphasizes body weight as the primary indicator of how healthy you are, so is your waist size. High waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the risk increases with a waist size greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men. You can measure your waist circumference by wrapping a measuring tape around your waist at the belly button.
A Cholesterol Profile measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Results are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), and HDL (good cholesterol) are three components you should pay close attention to. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for reducing the risk of heart disease. NIH recommends total cholesterol - less than 200 mg/dL; LDL- less than 100 mg/dL; and HDL - greater than or equal to 60 mg/dL.
Blood Pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. The NIH recommendation for healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
Blood Glucose levels measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood, typically measured after fasting. Results are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). High blood sugar levels can indicate diabetes or prediabetes, which leads to various health complications. A healthy blood sugar level for adults is generally between 80 and 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) before a meal and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating.
Understanding and keeping these metrics within normal range requires self-monitoring, self-care, and scheduling regular check-ups with your healthcare provider for personalized interpretations of your readings.
Keep in mind that the relationship between you and your provider should be one of mutual trust, respect, and understanding. When you sit down with them to review your metrics, you should expect a clear explanation of your readings and advice specific to your situation. It takes two you know, so accept your responsibility as well, and that is to be an informed patient. There’s no excuse not to be since, thanks to smart phones and computers, the information you need is at your fingertips.
Again, you don’t have to know everything, just the basics. Ask questions and voice your concerns. A positive doctor-patient relationship leads to better health outcomes and enhances the overall experience. If it does not, it’s time to find a provider who operates with genuine empathy and compassion.
Be grateful for numbers. They do more than enhance our ability to communicate and understand the world around us; in the medical arena, they diagnose and guide our treatment plans. Therefore, treating these four health metrics with the same importance you give to your personal identifiers is crucial. Manage them because here’s the bottom line: If you don’t control them, they will control you and reduce you to “just another number" in the revolving doors of a profit-driven sickcare system.
Prioritize your well-being—awareness is power. Need help getting started? I’m here to help with workshops or one-on-one coaching. Contact me at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com. Catch up on my Self-care blogs at www.myrtlerussell.com/blog.
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