The Essential Numbers for Women's Health: What to Watch Beyond the Scale

There has been a lot of noise in the media of late about certain figures i.e., kilograms and how many of them we are carrying. Our weight is just one aspect of our total health, and there are some other (just as/ more so) important numbers out there.

First, blood pressure. Ideal blood pressure is 120/80mmHg. High blood pressure starts at 140/90, or, if you are measuring at home 135/85. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke. What is your number?

Second, fasting glucose. If you aren’t pregnant, the normal range for fasting glucose is less than 5.6mmol/L. Once you are over this number, you can be on the road to diabetes. Diabetes is confirmed if your fasting glucose is 7.0 or higher. What is your number?

Third, cholesterol. In Australia, a normal total cholesterol is less than 5.5mmol/L for the general population. While cholesterol is necessary, higher levels can predispose us to hypertension, heart disease and stroke. What is your number?

Other number to consider:

• Smoking? How many a day?
• Drinking? How many standard drinks a day?
• Exercise? Are you getting at least 2.5 – 5 hours of moderate intensity activity each week?
• Is your waist (for females) less than 88cm or better yet, less than 80cm, to help reduce your cancer risk?

Whilst BMI is something we talk about, there are a whole range of other numbers that are just as important, if not more. Take a moment to look at your whole health picture and not have just one number in mind.