Personal Health Dashboard

By Tina Hergert, For The Sandy Standard

Hi neighbors! Last month we covered metabolic syndrome, the warning sign about 40% of American adults are living with. I promised a personal health dashboard this month, and here it is.

Think of it like the dashboard in your car. It shows what is working, what needs attention, and what could leave you stranded on the side of the road.Your body has one too. Most people just never learn how to read it.

Three numbers are enough to start. You can track two at home. The third takes one lab visit each year.

First, your waist measurement. The National Institutes of Health uses waist size as a quick check for belly fat, which raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Stand up, wrap a tape measure around your middle just above your hip bones, and breathe out. Over 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men is a yellow flag. Check once a month.

Second, your blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends home readings with an upper-arm cuff, not a wrist one. Start by taking two readings one minute apart, twice a day, for a few days to get your average. Then check monthly so you can spot trends before your next appointment.

Third, your yearly labs. Ask your provider for a cholesterol panel, a fasting glucose, and a hemoglobin A1c. The American Diabetes Association recommends A1c screening starting at age 35, or earlier if you carry extra weight or have a family history of diabetes. These numbers show what your body has been doing for months, not just that morning.

That is your starting dashboard. Waist monthly. Blood pressure averaged first, then monthly. Labs once a year. Keep a simple record you will actually find again.

Next month, I will share how to move these numbers in the right direction. Small changes. Real results.

Disclaimer: This column is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The information does not replace care from your healthcare provider. Always consult your physician before making changes to medications or treatment.