Telephone numbers. Zip codes. Addresses. Numbers are everywhere. Even your body has numbers. These numbers tell the difference between being healthy and needing help.
Body mass index (BMI) — Today, almost 65 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. A BMI of 18 to 24 is considered average. To calculate your BMI
your weight(kg) x 703
your height (cm) x your height (cm) |
= your BMI |
Blood pressure — Nearly one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure varies with individuals. While 120/80 used to be the gold standard, new information suggests lower is better. A pressure of 140/90 indicates the beginning of hypertension.
Cholesterol — The body generates all the cholesterol it needs, so when your diet adds to that cholesterol level, the excess builds up and begins to clog arteries. Bad cholesterol, LDL, should optimally be below 100 mg/dl; borderline high is 130-160 mg/dl; and high is above 160 mg/dl. Good cholesterol, HDL, carries the excess cholesterol to the liver for disposal. HDL levels should be over 40.
Heart rate — Heart rates differ by individuals, age, and activity. Newborns have very high heart rates, 100 to 160 beats per minute; children from one to 10 years of age, 70 to 120 beats; children over 10 and adults, 60 to 100; and athletes, 40 to 60 beats per minute.
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