Five Numbers That are Important for Your Health

The Toledo Blade ran an article by Allie Shah of the Minneapolis Star Tribune that listed five important health numbers. I enclose his five with my comments. Blood pressure 120/80 or less—ideally this is true, although 130/80 is acceptable. Total Cholesterol less than 200—this depends a lot on other lab factors, such as the HDL (the good part of the Total cholesterol), the triglycerides, the CRPsens, the homocystiene, and other tests. Fasting Blood Sugar less than 100—true for diabetes prevention but less than 90 to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 25 or Waist Size less than 35 inches for women and 40 for men—these are variations on the same factor, not to be overweight. My fifth factor would be Vitamin D3 level of greater than 60. And I would add a bonus factor of 2 ½ hours of exercise per week. See the Toledo Blade, Sept 9, 2013, Section D, page 1.