Dr Guy Naden recommends people visit the doctor for a head to toe check up every two-to-three years.

“Females tend to come in more often than men. Most men start presenting at 45 years onward. The regularity of check-ups is age dependant and health factors do play a part, but it’s important to get a general warrant of fitness done every couple of years no matter what age you are.”

At this check-up your doctor should measure your weight and height, listen to your heart and lungs, check blood pressure and heart rate and order blood tests to check thyroid, glucose and cholesterol. And depending on your age, you may also need a simple screening test for breast, cervical or prostate.

TESTS

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL (TC)
measures the amount of fats in your blood at a given time. Cholesterol is a fatty material carried in the blood. Normal cholesterol levels are around 3-3.5, if your cholesterol is above 5, it is a worry, if it is above 6, it is a major worry as the points in between are quite significant. If your cholesterol is too high, it can build up in your artery walls causing your arteries to become narrowed and increasing your risk of having a heat attack or stroke.

GLUCOSE
is a random measure of the sugar level in your blood. Glucose is an essential source of energy for the brain and is one of the sources of energy for the body.

BLOOD PRESSURE (B/P)
shows how hard your heart has to work to pump blood around your body. High blood pressure is not a disease, but it is an important risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure is represented by two numbers, for example, 120/80. The first number represents the peak pressure in your blood vessels when the heart beats. The second number is pressure in your blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.

Weighty Issues

BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) is a calculation to determine if you are a healthy weight for your height. A healthy BMI for a Maori or Pacific person is 18.5 to 26.

To calculate your BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by your height (in metres squared). So for example, if you weigh 75 kilograms and your height is 1.7 metes, your BMI would be 25.9 and classified as healthy.

Less than 18.5 = underweight
Between 18.5 to 26 = healthy weight
Between 26 to 32 = overweight
Greater than 32 = obese

Remember, BMI cannot distinguish between lean muscle and body fat, and it doesn’t take water weight into consideration. You should always talk to your doctor about any weight concerns you have.

Waist circumference is an important check, as research shows those who carry more fat around the mid section are at greater risk of life-threatening health problems. Your waist circumference should ideally be less than 90cm for women and less than 100cm for men.

15 reasons why water is good for you (Courtesy Pharmac One Heart Many Lives magazine)

1. Keeps the heart healthy and reduces the risk of heart attack
2. The liver can’t do its job well – water detoxifies the body
3. Eases fluid retention and bloating associated with PMS
4. Helps to burn fat, build muscle and lose weight
5. Can prevent leg cramps that happen due to mild dehydration
6. Can help prevent chronic dehydration
7. Warm lemon water is a perfect morning drink to help digestion and elimination
8. A natural remedy to glowing, healthier, and younger looking skin
9. Decreases headaches and dizziness
10. Increases mental clarity and performance
11. Lubricates and reduces pain in joint and muscles
12. Reduces the risk of disease and infection
13. Increases energy, alertness and physical performance
14. Decreases the need for taking medications
15. It is calorie-free and very convenient

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