Your health is one of the most important aspects of your life and it is essential that you keep a close eye on it.

Knowing your health metrics can help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle and identify potential health issues before they become serious. In this article, we will discuss the essential health metrics that you must measure to stay healthy.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation that takes your weight and height into consideration to determine whether you are underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.

Knowing your BMI can help you determine if you need to make changes to your diet and exercise habits to maintain a healthy weight. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, while a BMI of over 30 is considered obese.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a measurement of how much force your blood is putting on your arterial walls. High blood pressure can put you at risk for heart disease and stroke. A healthy blood pressure reading is typically lower than 120/80.

However, your doctor can help you determine your target blood pressure.

Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a type of fat that can be found in your blood. High levels of cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease and stroke. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

You want to maintain low levels of LDL cholesterol and high levels of HDL cholesterol to promote good heart health. Your doctor can determine your cholesterol levels with a simple blood test.

Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar levels are the amount of glucose in your blood. High blood sugar can be an indicator of type 2 diabetes, which can lead to serious health complications.

Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range is important to prevent diabetes and to manage the condition if you already have it.

Waist Circumference

Waist circumference is a measurement of the distance around your waist. Having a waist circumference that is too large can put you at risk for heart disease and other health issues.

For men, a waist circumference of over 40 inches is considered high, while for women, a waist circumference of over 35 inches is considered high.

Resting Heart Rate

Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute while you are at rest. A healthy resting heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Keeping track of your resting heart rate can help you determine if your heart is healthy or if there are any potential issues.

Body Fat Percentage

Body fat percentage is the amount of fat in your body as a percentage of your total body weight. Knowing your body fat percentage can help you determine if you need to make changes to your diet and exercise habits to improve your overall health.

As a general rule, men should aim for a body fat percentage between 6% and 24%, while women should aim for a body fat percentage between 16% and 30%.

Lung Function

Lung function is a measure of how well your lungs are working. There are several tests that can be done to measure lung function, including spirometry and peak flow tests.

Knowing your lung function can help you determine if you have any respiratory issues and can provide early warning of potential health problems.

Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that plays a role in bone health, immune function, and many other processes in the body. Many people are deficient in vitamin D, which can put them at risk for a variety of health issues.

Your doctor can measure your vitamin D levels with a blood test and recommend supplements if necessary.

Hydration Levels

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health. Dehydration can cause a variety of health issues, including headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. Monitoring your hydration levels can help you stay healthy and avoid potential health problems.

By measuring these essential health metrics, you can ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to stay healthy and prevent potential health issues.

Be sure to discuss your results with your doctor and make any necessary lifestyle changes to improve your health.