Biometrics are an essential tool to understand your body’s health from the inside out. This critical set of measurements can predict life-threatening diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other health issues.
Biometrics include a baseline screening that measures height, weight or BMI, blood pressure, pulse, fasting glucose, and lipid or metabolic panels. These indicators help us understand what is happening inside our bodies at a cellular level. We all know how life can get on the fast track. That’s why I make it a point to schedule my doctor’s appointments for the upcoming year four-six months in advance. At every first visit with my primary care physician, I ask for a blood test.
A Family Matter.
I learned the importance of knowing my biometrics after realizing many of my family members were passing at a young age from preventable diseases. Despite advanced technologies, biometrics in America still require substantial improvements. Two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, one-third have high blood pressure, and half of the population exhibit unhealthy cholesterol levels. It amazed me when I learned how so many health issues can be prevented through simple lifestyle choices like exercise, healthy eating, and stress management through breathing techniques, yoga, and sleep.
Your Health. Your Choice.
Taking an active role in your health requires you to establish a positive relationship with your body and seek means to enhance your diet and lifestyle decisions. Regularly monitoring your weight, blood pressure, and engaging in self-reflection are essential to identifying warning signals. It gives you the data to proactively work towards a healthier, wellness-focused lifestyle. While you want to establish consistency with these practices, overly obsessing with the scale can also become unhealthy. So, unless your healthcare provider suggests daily readings, just be consistent.
Healthy lifestyle choices mean taking the time to learn your biometrics. One place to start is with your primary care physician. Know what healthy is for your body. For readings at home, you can start with a scale or certified blood pressure monitor. If your physician suggests additional self monitoring, ask them what instruments are safest and certified. Also, do your own research.
Be Pro-active.
Don’t wait until the diagnosis. Take charge of your health. Know what’s going on with your body. Biometrics are nothing to fear. In fact, it can be Pandora’s box to a lifetime of wellness.
