Do you know your numbers?  You know…. the numbers that tell you the level of cholesterol in your blood, your blood pressure, your blood sugar levels and your weight.  These are standard markers doctors use to measure our level of health.  Being aware of these numbers may prevent you from developing diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and other serious illnesses if they are checked regularly and you know what they are.

 

Consider this hypothetical situation, during your annual physical exam your blood pressure is a little elevated but normal and you find out you have gained 5 pounds.  You also get your blood work done during this time.  After a few days, the doctor calls to tell you that your cholesterol and glucose levels are higher than usual but within normal range.  All is well.  Each year, you get a similar report plus or minus 5 pounds until one day, the doctor says, I am prescribing (some medication) for your (you pick the condition).  Now you are faced with making changes quickly to regain your health.

 

The point of this story is this, knowing your numbers gives you the power to make changes before changes are forced on you.  A hemoglobin A1C number of 5.6 is normal but 5.7 indicates an increased risk for diabetes.  Knowing this allows you to make nutrition and lifestyle changes that help reduce your risk of diabetes.  Aside from genetic factors that may cause higher than normal numbers, the same is true for all your numbers.  Get familiar with your numbers at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Diabetes/PreventionTreatmentofDiabetes/Know-Your-Health-Numbers_UCM_313882_Article.jsp

 

I have met a number of people who didn’t know their numbers until they were faced with having to take medication.  Medication is necessary to keep us well once a disease or illness shows up but if you can avoid the disease or illness with nutrition and lifestyle changes why not.  Please know your numbers!


M
ichelle Carrington, MS, CNS, LDN is available for individual nutrition consults or group seminars. Contact her at [email protected].

Pin It on Pinterest

Leading the nation in passes defensed as a sophomore, Then memorable All America honors his junior year, As his Jayhawks became 12 1, Winning the 2008 Orange Bowl title kamar aiken jersey.Coach Mark Mangino also in use the Texas native at wide receiver, Where he caught four TD hands in nine games.The cornerback wrapped up his KU career with a pick 6 interception against virginia Tech dwayne allen jersey, outstanding the Orange Bowl MVP award.The nine year NFL frequent has 30 career interceptions, which has 8 TDs.on the other hand custom eagles jersey, Harris is a four year starter in Denver, owning 12 career interceptions and 3 touchdowns. The Oklahoma native has made the last two pro bowl teams. He too was a fast success under Mark Mangino at KU.They're accompanied by Missouri Tiger Shane Ray. The Bishop Miege grad starred for this Tigers, Helping lead Mizzou to a pair of SEC tournament games. Despite missing distinctive time early this season with a knee injury, The Kansas City native wound up with four sacks and 15 tackles in his rookie year.All three Broncos will play critical roles in the Super Bowl game.in the mean time, Carolina features Mizzou alum Kony Ealy at defending end. The second year player from New the city, MO had five sacks and 32 tackles on the season.one of the most Panther's biggest defensive stars is former Chief Jared Allen. The 12 year veteran spent four memorable years in might, Where he earned the first of his five Pro Bowl spots, Leading the NFL in carrier sin 2007. He also earned NFL Defensive Player of the year honors in 2009 darian stewart jersey.