News You Can Use

Take time to read the vital signs of health

University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Dustin Barnes
April 7, 2004

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Vehicle drivers are surrounded by signs to yield, slow or stop. In similar fashion, human bodies also have “traffic warnings” that tell of potential dangers ahead.

Joseph Chromiak, an assistant professor in Mississippi State University’s kinesiology department, says two important and easily measured indicators are body mass index—usually referred to as BMI—and blood pressure.

“You can determine BMI for yourself since weight and height are all that is needed,” Chromiak says. “It’s a good index of one’s cardiovascular and diabetes risk, as well as other health issues typically related to being overweight or obese.”

Chromiak cautions that, while the BMI serves as a good indicator for the general public, it doesn’t work as well for most athletes due to their greater muscle mass. Detailed information for determining BMI can be found on the Centers for Disease Control’s Web site, http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/bmi-adult.htm, he adds.

Chromiak says blood pressure checks also are an easy task, but he suggests someone with training be used to provide the most accurate reading.

“At rest, your blood pressure should be 120/80 or less,” he says. “If a person is at rest and either of those numbers is elevated, it could indicate a need to make exercise, dietary and other lifestyle changes,” he says.

The ideal time to check blood pressure is first thing in the morning or after a period of relaxation. Blood glucose and cholesterol levels are important to know, though tests for these should be completed only by a physician or nurse.