What to Look for to Be Sure That You are in Good Health
Yes, you have killer 6-pack abdominals. But does that mean that you are healthy? Of course you can evaluate a persons physical health based on their external looks. Aside from the abdominal muscles, there are other ways of determining how healthy you are.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Weight is not the most consistent barometer of good health. Doctors use the body mass index or BMI to quantify an individuals weight against their size. One would calculate BMI by dividing kilograms by meter squared. When the BMI is between 18 to 25, it is mainly considered fit and healthy. Underweight BMI is less than 19, overweight BMI is between 25-30 and obese is 30 or more.
Nonetheless, an individual who is very fit with very little body fat could have a BMI over 25. This will put him or her in the over weight category.
BMI is also an insufficient barometer for children below 16 years of age. What should be used instead, is the age of the teen and his or her probability for growth instead of using the weight and height ratio. For example, if a child is putting on weight too quickly for his or her age, or if he or she were not putting on enough weight, this would be a better gauge of health.
Round, Pear or Flat?
Another meter for good health is someones body shape. Health care providers also look at waist measurements because they know that apple-shaped men and women carry excess fat around their waistline. Obesity-related illnesses, as well as coronary heart problems are a higher risk for these men and women. If the midriff is larger than thirty five inches, the individual has a greater exposure to health problems such as diabetes or stroke.
Condition of Your Skin
Ones skin appearance would be another sign of good or poor health. Oddly shaped or growing freckles or moles are things to be watchful for. One should use sunscreen and get the opinion of a dermatologist about any skin spots.
Oral Health
If there is bleeding when you spit after brushing your teeth, your gums may need attending to. Gums that bleed often are a sign of bad oral health and vitamin deficiency. Blood on the toothbrush is one of the most common indicators of gingivitis or gum disease, which in turn is a harbinger for cardiovascular diseases.
Gingivitis is avoidable and reversible. Gums need to undergo a thorough plaque removal along with daily dental hygiene habits, good eating habits and vitamin supplements.
Gum disease may now be identified with stroke and type 2 diabetes. Folks with gum problems and tooth decay are twice more predisposed to die of heart attacks and about three times more predisposed to have a stroke.
Look Out for Your Lips
If someones lips are cracking and dried-up, it may be a sign that he or she is dehydrated. When you are dehydrated, your body removes the moisture from your skin making it look dry and decrepit. Dehydration can also cause headaches and fatigue.
Toenails and Fingernails
Healthy fingernails and toenails are strong, colorless and smooth. If they are yellow, brittle and have ridges, these are evident warnings that your nails are in atrocious health. These unhealthy signs may signal odd levels of oxygen in the blood as well as kidney disease, vitamin deficiency and yeast infection.
Thus, just because you have gorgeous lats and 6-packs, that does not mean that you are healthy and fit. There are other indications of atrocious health that you should be made aware of. Do not disregard them.
Fitness Centers of Rochester NY, Rochester NY Athletic Club for Women and Weight Loss Centers of Rochester provide health and fitness services to its members.