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Taking care of your health should not be underestimated if you want to live a fulfilling and active life. Monitoring key health metrics can help you gain insight into your current health and prevent potential health problems in the future.

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In this article, we'll explore five crucial health metrics you should track regularly and discuss how a health screening can assist you in maintaining optimal health.

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Blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is frequently dubbed the "silent killer" due to its tendency to manifest without noticeable symptoms. However, if left unchecked, it can cause heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues.

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Blood pressure is assessed by measuring systolic pressure, reflecting arterial pressure during heartbeats, and diastolic pressure, indicative of arterial pressure during the heart's resting phase. Typically, a healthy blood pressure reading falls below 130/85mmHg (source: MOH CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 1/2017). However, the ideal ranges can be varied based on your age and health factors.

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Consistent blood pressure monitoring enables early detection of deviations from the norm, facilitating prompt intervention when necessary.

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Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI calculates body fat based on your weight and height. It is a simple and widely used tool classifying people as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

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While BMI is not a direct indicator of body fat, it can be a helpful screening tool for assessing whether you are at a healthy weight for your height.

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A normal BMI reads between 18.5 and 24.9, whereas a BMI of 25 or above may indicate overweight or obesity, a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Institutes for Health (NIH) guidelines for Asian individuals, a normal BMI reads between 18.5 and 22.9 kg/m2.

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Above that, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) states that a BMI of 23 to 27.4 places one at moderate risk, and BMI above 27.5 at high risk, of getting obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancer.

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Cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is a fatty molecule in your blood required to build healthy cells. However, excessive cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, sometimes known as "bad" cholesterol, can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.

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Monitoring your cholesterol levels, including LDL cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. A desirable cholesterol profile includes low LDL cholesterol, high levels of HDL cholesterol, and normal triglyceride levels.

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Blood sugar levels

Blood sugar, usually called blood glucose, is the sugar present in the blood, serving as the primary energy source for your cells. However, consistently high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia, can indicate diabetes or prediabetes.

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Diabetes influences how your body metabolises glucose, leading to severe complications if not properly managed. Regular blood tests can help identify this chronic health condition early and enable timely intervention through lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin therapy.

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Waist circumference

Waist circumference effectively measures abdominal obesity, which is associated with a higher chance of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. 

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Excess fat around the waist, particularly visceral fat surrounding internal organs, can release harmful substances into the bloodstream resulting in insulin resistance and inflammation.

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According to health promotion board, a waist circumference that is equal or more than 80cm (31.5 inches) for women and 90cm (35.4 inches) for men, is associated with an elevated risk of obesity-related health problems.

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How a health screening helps

A health screening is valuable for tracking the above health metrics and identifying deviations from normal ranges. You can stay in the know about your health status, detect potential issues early, and take proactive steps to improve your health by undergoing regular medical examinations.

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With regular medical screenings, you can:

1. Detect early warning signs: Screening tests can detect abnormalities or risk factors, allowing prompt intervention and treatment.
2. Track progress: Regular screenings enable you to track changes in your health metrics over time, allowing you to make informed decisions about your lifestyle and healthcare.
3. Prevent complications: By identifying and addressing health issues early, screenings can help prevent complications and improve long-term health outcomes.
4. Practise self-care: Knowledge of your health status encourages you to be more proactive in improving your health through lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and regular follow-up with healthcare providers.

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Health screening and coaching services in Singapore

Monitoring key health metrics regularly through health screenings is necessary for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. 

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At Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we offer executive health screenings and lifestyle coaching services in Singapore, designed to help you achieve and maintain optimal health. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals provides personalised screenings and consultations tailored to your unique health needs and goals. 

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Safeguard your health and well-being for years to come. Contact us today to schedule your medical screening.