Healthy Benchmarks:
BMI Levels
Body Mass Index, or BMI, measures a person’s weight relative to their height. In general, the greater the BMI, the greater the risk of contracting diseases associated with obesity. The following figures are for adults over 20 years of age. Check your BMI now.
Underweight – BMI below 19.5
Normal weight – BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight – BMI between 25.0 and 29.9
Obese – BMI above 30.0
Blood Pressure Levels
Blood pressure is one of the principal vital signs and refers to the force of circulating blood on the walls of the blood vessels. It is measured by the systolic (peak) pressure and diastolic (resting) pressure. High blood pressure especially combined with other risk factors increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Please consult with your physician if you have low or elevated levels.
| Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg) | |
| Normal | less than 120 | less than 80 |
| Prehypertension | 120-139 | 80-89 |
| High – Stage I | 140-159 | 90-99 |
| High - Stage II | 160 or higher | 100 or higher |
Source: American Heart Association
Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is normal and aids in body functions. This soft, fat-like, waxy substance is found in the bloodstream and all cells. However, too much cholesterol can put your body at risk for heart disease and stroke. People with high cholesterol levels should consult with a healthcare provider.
Total Blood Cholesterol Levels
Desirable - Less than 200 mg/dL
Borderline High Risk - 200-239 mg/dL
High Risk - 240 mg/dL
Source: American Heart Association
Cancer Risk
It’s often difficult to explain why one person develops cancer and another does not. Following is a list of behaviors or factors that may increase the risk of developing cancer.
- Growing older
- Tobacco
- Sunlight
- Ionizing radiation
- Certain chemicals and other substances
- Some viruses and bacteria
- Certain hormones
- Family history of cancer
- Alcohol
- Poor diet, lack of physical activity or being overweight
Source: National Cancer Institute
Heart Disease Risk
Clinical studies have identified certain avoidable and unavoidable risk factors which may increase a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke. These include:
- Increasing age
- Male gender
- Heredity (including race)
- Tobacco smoke
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity and overweight
- Diabetes mellitus
- Stress
- Alcohol
Source: American Heart Association
Osteoporosis Risk
The following is a list of factors that may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Female gender
- Age
- Race
- Family history
- Frame size
- Tobacco use
- Lifetime exposure to estrogen
- Eating disorders
- Corticosteroid medications
- Thyroid hormone
- Some diuretics
- Other medications
- Breast cancer
- Low calcium intake
- Medical conditions that decrease calcium absorption
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excess soda consumption
- Chronic alcoholism
- Depression
Source: Mayo Clinic
Bone Density
Optimal Bone Density Levels
The best way to determine your bone health is to get a bone mineral density test (BMD). Your doctor may be able to help you in scheduling one, or you may wish to check the BCHD offerings for bone density screenings.
The most widely recognized bone mineral density test is the DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorbtiometry) test. The DXA test measures your body’s bone mineral density, compares it to an established standard (the ideal bone mineral density of a healthy 30 year-old adult) and provides you with a score. A score of 0 means your BMD is the equivalent to that of a healthy young adult. Scores lower than –1 may indicate a loss in bone mass. See chart below for details:
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION DEFINITIONS BASED ON BONE DENSITY LEVELS
Normal |
Bone density is within 1 standard deviation (+1 or –1) of the young adult mean. |
Low Bone Mass |
Bone density is between 1 and 2.5 SD below the young adult mean |
Osteoporosis |
Bone density is 2.5 SD or more below the young adult mean |
Severe (established) Osteoporosis |
Bone density is more than 2.5 SD below the young adult mean and there have been one or more osteoporotic fractures. |
Fitness
Being physically fit is not always about how you look. In fact, recent studies have shown that being underweight may be just as damaging to your health as being overweight. Your best bet for getting an accurate picture of your level of fitness is a physical examination by your medical doctor. Use the information provided here to get a general sense for what is considered healthy for your age and gender.
Stress Level
Stress is what we experience when the demands of our everyday lives seem to exceed our capacity and ability to deal with them. Certain life situations such as loss of a loved one or other traumatic events greatly challenge our ability feel calm and in control. Recent studies prove that stress can lead to chronic illness if not properly addressed. The Holmes & Rahe Social Readjustment Scale was developed by two mental health professionals in the late 1960s and is often used to assess stress levels in adults. The scale provided on this Web site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a formal diagnostic tool. If you feel overwhelmed by the pressures of work, home or other life situations, speak to a mental health professional or your doctor for recommendations on what you can do to find balance and peace of mind.
