What to Look for to Be Sure That You are in Good Health

By Christopher Taylor

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

Body mass, or how large (or slim) you are, is not always the most dependable barometer of how healthy a person is. Medical doctors use the body mass index or BMI to judge the size of a person against weight. One can calculate BMI by dividing kilograms by meter squared. Ordinarily, a sign of good health is to have a BMI between 18-25. 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.

For growing teens and youngsters, BMI is also an inefficient method for measuring health. Therefore, in place of using this antiquated type of measurement, what should be regarded instead, is the teens age and possibility for growth. If a child is putting on poundage too quickly for his or her age or not putting on enough weight, or not growing taller, this is a much better determinant of his or her health.

The Shape of the Body

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.

Studies reveal that gum diseases can be connected with cardiac disease and diabetes. People with gum diseases and tooth decay are twice more predisposed to die of heart attacks and approximately 3 times more liable to have a stroke.

Look Out for Your Lips

Another unhealthy state for the human body to be in is dehydration. Dry and coarse lips could be an indicator of dehydration. Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue, as well as remove the moisture from the skin making it look decrepit and dry. Are your lips moist and kissable? If not, drink some water.

Finger and Toe Nails

Look at your fingernails. Healthy fingernails and toenails are strong, colorless and smooth. Otherwise, unhealthy nails are otherwise yellow and crumbly. Yeast infection, peculiar levels of oxygen in the blood, thyroid problems and a vitamin deficiency are just some of the disorders associated with unhealthy looking nails.

Granted that you are muscled enough to parade those six-packs, you can still dig for yourself an early grave if you disregard the other signs of bad health. - 32608

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