A New Take on New Year's Resolutions
Know Your Numbers
February 21, 2020 | Tags:
It’s common to prioritize health and fitness when setting New Year's resolutions. While diet and exercise routines are essential, another great way to set your goals is by knowing your biometric numbers. These are the important health scores that determine your overall health. Knowing these scores can help you identify your problem areas, set realistic goals and manage your health throughout the year.
To kick off the year right, take advantage of wellness screenings offered by your employer or schedule a physical with your primary care physician. Below are specific biometric tests you should be checking annually to make sure your health is the best it can be.
Glucose Test
This test is used to check the amount of glucose in your blood. Glucose is your body’s main source of energy, but if its levels are too high or low in your system, it could indicate various diseases such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes. By checking this number, you can know for sure if you are currently suffering or are at risk of developing one of these disorders and can seek proper treatment.
Cholesterol/Lipid Panel
Did you know that your body is made up of different kinds of cholesterol, which together are called lipids? By getting a lipid panel, you can test your levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad-cholesterol”), high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good cholesterol”) and triglycerides. These various levels can indicate if you are at risk of developing blood clots resulting in heart disease or stroke, so it’s important to take this test.
Blood pressure
Both high and low blood pressure can present serious health problems and can be especially detrimental to your heart. Therefore, a blood pressure reading is another essential test that can give insights into your overall wellbeing. This test measures the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps and determines if it’s at a healthy level.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Your BMI considers your height, age and weight and gives an approximation of overall body fat. This measurement helps categorize your body into underweight, normal, overweight and obese. This is an objective indicator of your health and eating habits and can help you gauge whether you need to change your lifestyle.
Need More Information?
By checking your numbers each year, you can better understand your risk for certain illnesses and the next steps you should take to improve. Talk to your doctor about getting your annual biometric screening. If you are a Medical Mutual member and don't already have a primary care physician, use our online tool to find an in-network doctor near you.
Sources: Be Well Solutions, Healthline, Mayo Clinic
The material provided is for your information only. It does not take the place of your doctor’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should make decisions about your care with your doctor. What is covered by your health insurance will be based on your specific benefit plan.