How To Check Your Health at Home

Here is an easy and inexpensive way to help you check your health status and stay healthy. If you have further concerns or problems you should seek further advice from your healthcare professional.

1. Take Your Pulse. Find a pulse point on your body and take your pulse. Generally, your resting heart rate should be between 60-90 beats per minute (BPM). Maximum heart rates (MHR) can vary; the older you get the slower your MHR becomes. To figure out your maximum heart rate, subtract your age from 220. For example, a 44-year old will have an MHR of 176 beats per minute (BPM) because 220 - 44 = 176. During exercise, your heart rate should be between 50-70% of your MHR. Co-enzyme Q10 has been found to support heart health.
2. Colour Code Your Urine. The colour of your urine can show whether you are consuming enough water on a daily basis. Urine should be a pale yellow or straw colour. If there is a low urine output, or if your urine is dark and has a strong odour, it could be a sign of dehydration. Drink at least 2 litres of water a day, more if you are exercising.
3. Examine Your Posture. Sitting down all day can wreak havoc on your back. It is important to keep moving, but good posture is essential too. Imagine a cord pulling you up from the top of your head when you're trying to sit up straight. If you get joint problems, herbal remedy, devil's claw, joint care and flax oil or fish oils may help.
4. Measure Your Waist. A large waist could mean you are susceptible to developing diabetes. Measure between the top of your hip bone and your lowest rib, if your waist is 80 cm or larger (woman), or 94 cm or larger (men) you could be at risk.
5. Clean Your Teeth. It has been shown that people suffering from gum disease are more likely to suffer narrowing arteries - a big risk factor in heart attacks. It is believed that bacteria from the gums enters the bloodstream and causes the arteries to inflame.
6. Read A Numberplate. An easy way to check your eyesight is to see if you can read a number plate from 20.5 meters, if you struggle to see the letters and numbers, you should have an eye test. Eye health can be supported by supplementing omega oils and antioxidants along with daily eye exercises.