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H E A L T H 123

n u m b e r s t o k n o w

You keep an eye on your cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight. But

these aren’t the only numbers women should be watching. The following

are also vital indicators of wellness. by avery hurt

Many people with diabetes or prediabetes don’t know they have it.

The best way to screen for the disease is with a fasting blood sugar

test, which requires not eating for at least eight hours, then a trip

to the doctor’s office and a simple blood draw.

The Number: 100 The ideal range is less than 100 milligrams per

deciliter of blood. Between 100 and 125 indicates prediabetes.

Take Action: If you’re above 100, your doctor will discuss your

options, which may include lifestyle changes and medication.

waist-to-hip ratio

Belly fat is a more telling predictor of your health than the number

you see on the bathroom scale, says Dr. Marie Savard, a Philadelphia

internist and author of

Ask Dr. Marie.

The Number: 0.8 Measure your waist where a belt would go. Then

measure your hips at their widest point. Now do the math: Divide

waist number by hips number. The result should be 0.8 or lower.

Take Action: If it’s not, start exercising. A Duke University study

found that participants who briskly walked for 30 minutes at least

six days a week lost the most fat.

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS JANUARY 2010 123

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