When it comes to your health, certain measurable metrics are more important than others. There is a particular set of numbers that are especially important to help monitor the state of your health.

Whether you are feeling good or have a feeling that something just isn’t right, these numbers are usually the starting point for a reality check.

You can learn all about those numbers, yoga, the benefits of setting goals, the essentials of sleepgood germs and other health issues at the Montana Health and Fitness Expo with the 50+ Expo in August. It is a two-day event that focuses on living well. Local businesses will join forces to teach, inspire and guide you toward better health and fitness – regardless of age.

Until then, the numbers you should pay attention to include everything from basic information like your height and weight to the amount of fatty material in your blood. Here are 11 health-related numbers you should be keeping an eye on:

1. Height and weight: How tall you are and how much you weigh are used to help determine your body mass. It’s a good idea to keep your height and weight in the proper proportion. Height and weight ratios are an indicator of your overall health. In addition, many prescription doses are dependent on height and weight ratios. When a physician takes your weight, it's the start of a fact-finding mission.

2. Total Cholesterol: A waxy substance produced by the liver that helps build cell walls and make hormones. Too much cholesterol in your blood can kill you. A desirable total cholesterol level is 200 mg/dL.

3. LDL – Low Density Lipoprotein: “The Bad Cholesterol." Too much LDL in the blood can lead to buildup on the arterial wall and eventual artery blockage. 100-129 mg/dL is a near ideal LDL level.

4. HDL – High Density Lipoprotein: This type of cholesterol is thought to protect against heart attacks and takes the cholesterol back to the liver. An optimum HDL level is 60 mg/dL and above.

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5. Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood stream that comes from unused calories. The bad news is that triglycerides are stored in fat cells. A lot of fat in the cells can cause heart disease and strokes. A desirable triglyceride level is below 150 mg/dL.

6. Blood Glucose: Sugar in your blood. High levels can lead to damage in the kidneys, nerves eyes. Normal fasting blood glucose level, which is taken after not eating for 8 to 12 hours, is 70-100 mg/dL.

7. Blood Pressure: A measure of how hard your blood pushes on the walls of your blood vessels. High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder to pump your blood and can lead to serious conditions like hypertension and heart attack. An optimal blood pressure is 120/80.

8. Resting Heart Rate: The number of times your heart beats in a minute while at rest. The higher your resting heart rate, the more quickly simple, every day tasks tire you out. Proper diet and exercise can help keep this in check. The desirable resting heart rate is 60 beats per minute.

9. Daily Calorie Needs: This number can have a huge impact on your health and should be monitored. You can calculate your daily calorie needs by multiplying your weight in pounds by 13 to 15, depending on your level of activity. If you’re trying to lose weight, you want to eat 500 calories less than your daily calorie needs.

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10. Body Mass Index (BMI): A number calculated from a person’s height and weight. BMI is used to determine the likelihood of weight-related health problems. A normal BMI is 18 to 25.

11. Waist Circumference: How big around your waist is. Your waist circumference can be a predictor of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Healthy waist circumference is less than 94 cm for men and less than 80 cm for women.

Editor’s Note: Adella Sutton is not a medical professional. She is an avid reader, Googler, magazine subscriber, blog-devouring, Pinterest-loving collector of information. This article is an amalgamation of information gleaned from those sources. Much of it is common sense, paying attention to what her doctor says and things she  the gym. Pay attention to your own doctor and his or her medical advice. Her hope with this article is that you will take control of your own health and well-being.

 

 

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