The Body Mass Index Test

The Body Mass Index (BMI) Test is usually a reliable calculation of your body fat content. If your BMI is over 25, this typically increases your risk for cardiac conditions, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, high cholesterol, select cancers and sleep apnea. If your BMI is over 34, you are considered obese.

Taking Charge

Make your main meal portion sizes no larger than the size of the palm of your hand. Choose healthy foods, such as, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy. Set a goal to do moderate aerobic activity (any activity in which one foot is off the floor, such as walking) daily for at least 30 minutes. If you are obese, please learn more about obtaining assistance from Dr. Gabriel.

Special Considerations

If your BMI is over 25, you’ll likely be told to secure additional tests, as follows. It is vital to adhere to your physician’s recommendations.

The Cholesterol Test

The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol offers assistance in predicting the risk of developing thickening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).Cholesterol ratios that are not normal contribute to heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Taking Charge

If your numbers are out of range, you’ll want to strength your heart muscle with physical aerobic activity. Set a target of at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day.Maintain a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you are overweight, lose weight.

The Blood Sugar Test

A blood sugar test measures the glucose (type of sugar) levels in your blood. Ongoing elevated blood sugar levels may suggest diabetes which may lead to heart disease and stroke.

Taking Charge

If your numbers are out of range, maintain healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Find moderate aerobic exercises that you can enjoy every day for at least 30 minutes.

The Blood Pressure Test

Your blood pressure is made up of the systolic number (pressure when the heart beats) and the diastolic number (pressure when the heart is resting between beats). Elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, increases the risk for stroke and heart attack.

Taking Charge

If you have elevated blood pressure or high blood pressure and are overweight, lose weight. Drink no more than one alcoholic beverage a day for women or two for men.If you use a lot of salt in your diet or choose processed foods, cut back or refrain. If you smoke, quit smoking. Since stress may elevate blood pressure, seek out ways to diminish stress, such as, Breathing Meditation, Yoga, Tia Chi and Getting Healthy with the Arts.

To learn more about weight loss surgery in Hauppauge or Southampton with Dr. Gabriel, contact us today at 1-631-591-3992!