Wellness
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION)
1) Blood Sugar
a. Blood sugar (glucose): should be around 100. If your fasting level is over 120 (or 150 if you have recently eaten) consult your physician.
b. HbA1c: is an indication of how much glucose is attached to your red blood cells. Gives you an average glucose reading of the past 2 to 3 months rather than the past 8 to 10 hours.
A good HbA1c is 4 to 6 percent.
2) Cholesterol
a. Know your total cholesterol number: ideally, it should be less than 200mg/dL
b. HDL (considered your “good” cholesterol, the higher the number the better):
i. Less that 40mg/dL (higher risk of cardiovascular disease)
ii. 40-59mg/dL (less risk)
iii. 60+mg/dL (low risk)
c. LDL (considered “bad” cholesterol)
i. Less than 100mg/dL (ideal)
ii. 130-159mg/dL (borderline high)
iii. 160-189mg/dL (high)
iv. 190+mg/dL (very high)
d. Chol/HDL ratio:
i. The American Heart Association recommends a ratio of 5 or below with 3.5 as an ideal target
ii. Harvard Medical School info:
1. Men at 9.6 and Women at 7 are at twice the risk of average for heart disease
2. Men at 5 and women at 4.4 are at average risk
3. Men at 3.4 and women at 3.3 are at half the average risk
3) Blood Pressure
a. Can be measured with a blood pressure cuff and can easily be done at home
b. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 (systolic/diastolic)
c. High blood pressure would be a systolic of 140+ or a diastolic 90+
4) Body Weight (BMI)
a. BMI is simply your weight in relation to your height
b. Weigh yourself then check out the BMI calculator at
5) Waist Circumference
a. A large waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
b. Your waist measurement should be taken by wrapping a measuring tape around your body at the top of your hip bone (usually at the level of your belly button).
c. Increased risk of health issues:
i. Men – greater than 40 inches
ii. Women – greater than 35 inches
d. For more information, check out the link at:
6) Once you know your numbers try:
a. The cardiac risk assessment at: