Busy Woman's Health & Wellness Guide

Body Mass Index (BMI)

There are several ways to measure you body’s proportion of fat and fat-free tissue. One of these methods, called Body Mass Index or BMI, is an important indicator of overall fitness and is a nationally accepted way to estimate a person’s level of "fatness." Your BMI is calculated using the following formula:

[Weight (lbs)/ Height (in)] X 703 = BMI

Underweight	Below 18.5
Normal	18.5-24.9
Overweight	25.0-29.9
Obese	30.0 & Above

Blood Pressure

There are several actions you can take to control, or possiblyeven prevent, high blood pressure. Because high bloodpressure is a common disorder, have your blood pressurechecked regularly. Talk with your health care provider abouthow often to schedule a blood pressure check.

Blood Pressure	Systolic (Top Number)	Less than 120
	Diastolic (Bottom Number)	Less than 80

Blood Glucose (Diabetes)

Diabetes is a chronic disease that makes the body unable to use carbohydrates properly, causing it to rely too much on protein and fat for fuel. There are two distinct types of diabetes: Type I (Non-insulin producing) and Type II.

Normal Range for Glucose
	Fasting Glucose 70-100 mg/dl
	Non-Fasting Glucose No more than 140

Cholesterol

According to the American Heart Association, knowing your total cholesterol level is an important first step to determining your risk for heart disease. Your HDL cholesterol is referred toas "good cholesterol" because higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk for heart disease (HDL < 60 = a negative risk). Women naturally have a higher level of HDL and regular aerobic exercise is the primary way to raise the level. Knowing your blood cholesterol levels, and how one type of cholesterol affects the others, gives you insight into what health habits you may need to change to lower your risk of heart disease.

Risk Category	Total Cholesterol	HDL
Desirable	Less than 200	Greater than 60
Borderline High	200-239	40-59
High	More than 240	Less than 40