"4 Quick Tests to Monitor your Health"

(BlackDoctor.org) -- A simple inventory of your health could mean prevention for many serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which disproportionately affects African-Americans. Here are four tips that can help you get started on your journey this spring for better health year round.

Test your agility: Being flexible is one important factor in over all physical health. One way to see how flexible you are is to sit on a flat surface and attempt to touch your toes. If you can get as far as grabbing your ankles then you are considered flexible. If not, be sure to make stretching part of your daily routine. Also, stretch before starting exercise.

Good Fat = Moisturized skin: Sometimes lotion may not be enough for severely dry skin. A physician might suggest Omega-3 Fatty acids to incorporate in your diet. Not only does this supplement provide supple skin for the sandal season but also it helps to reduce heart disease. The omega-d fatty acid can also be found in fatty fish like wild salmon, so have fish night once or twice a week.

Get rid of waist: According to recent research from the Medical College of Wisconsin, a woman’s waist should be no larger than 32 inches. Another study found that women who ate yogurt lost 81 percent more fat around their torso than those who avoided it. For those who are lactose intolerant, ask your doctor about alternatives like soy yogurt.

Morning Temp: The normal temperature for humans is 98.6 degrees and is most consistent during morning hours. Higher temperatures could be a symptom of an under active thyroid. Much like slow metabolism, an under-active thyroid makes it almost impossible to lose weight, even when combined with good diet and exercise.

By Nicole Hooper, BlackDoctor.org staff writer

BlackDoctor.org offers more suggestions on healthy ways to change your eating habits. Look for healthy soul food pyramids and diets throughout our website at http://www.BlackDoctor.org

Back to Main Menu