Health is the most valuable thing we possess in life. Without good health, everything else fades away. That’s why we should take care of our well-being as if it were a precious treasure.

However, many people tend to neglect their physical condition for various reasons. Some think they are too busy to prioritize their health, while others believe they are invincible and can do whatever they want without suffering any consequences. Neither of these attitudes is wise.

Therefore, if you want to maintain your vitality and improve your quality of life, here are six health indicators you should watch out for.

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

Your body mass index, or BMI, is an important metric in assessing your health condition. It measures your body fat based on your height and weight ratio.

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal, while anything below or above that range is either underweight or overweight, respectively. Keep in mind that being underweight or overweight can lead to various health problems, such as malnutrition, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer, among others. Therefore, maintaining a healthy BMI is crucial for your well-being.

2. Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent killer that can damage your blood vessels and organs without showing any visible symptoms.

That’s why it’s essential to get your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have a family history of hypertension, or you are over 40 years old. The optimal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure is higher than that threshold, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercise, diet, and stress management, or medication if necessary.

3. Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that our body needs to produce hormones, vitamin D, and digestive juices. However, high levels of bad cholesterol, or LDL, can clog your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

On the other hand, high levels of good cholesterol, or HDL, can protect your heart and lower your risk of cardiovascular problems. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly and aim for a healthy balance between LDL and HDL. The optimal total cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL.

4. Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar, or glucose, is a type of sugar that our body uses as fuel. However, excessive sugar in your blood can lead to diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs, and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and infection. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range by eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and monitoring your blood sugar regularly.

The optimal blood sugar level for non-diabetic adults is between 70 and 99 mg/dL.

5. Mental Health

Mental health is as important as physical health. Poor mental health can affect your mood, behavior, and cognitive function, and lead to various mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to your mental well-being and seek help if you experience any signs of distress, such as sadness, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, or social withdrawal.

6. Sleep Quality and Quantity

Sleep is a vital aspect of our overall health and well-being. Poor sleep quality and quantity can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and depression.

Therefore, it’s crucial to get enough sleep every night and maintain a healthy sleep routine, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a comfortable and dark environment for sleeping.

In conclusion, by monitoring these six health indicators regularly, you can assess your health condition and take proactive measures to maintain or improve it.

Remember, prevention is better than cure, and your health is your most precious asset in life.