October is Health Literacy Month

Let's define Personal health literacy.

Personal healthy literacy is the ability of individuals to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.

During the last decade, heart attacks among young adults in their late 20s and 30s have increased, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress spiked, and metabolic syndrome is affecting both young and older adults.

Health and fitness is a billion-dollar industry, and social media influencers and content creators are not regulated.

More than 7.7 million Americans do not have health insurance. Your health and wellness are in your hands.

Why is this important?

We live in an information highway society with so much misleading information we can get lost, and trying to find health insurance coverage to fit any budget is a full-time task that is daunting and exhausting.

You must educate yourself, advocate for yourself, and take charge. With hard work, research, and perseverance, you can take control of your personal health.

Here are some facts you should know about maintaining overall health.

Keep in mind that everyone is unique because every one of us has a different genetic makeup because of our parents. Be proud.

Health Numbers

Young or senior, know your Healthy Numbers because they can indicate whether an individual could develop certain life-threatening diseases or predispose to them.

Blood Pressure

• Normal blood pressure is below 120/80

• Pre-hypertension is 120 to 139 (systolic) and 80 to 89 (diastolic)

• Hypertension – also known as high blood pressure -- is 140 or higher (systolic) and 90 or higher (diastolic)

Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: "happy" cholesterol and "lethal" cholesterol.

• A healthy cholesterol level is below 200 milligrams

• HDL (happy) High-Density Lipoprotein 40-59mg/dl

• LDL (lethal) Low-Density Lipoprotein 0-99mg/dl

• Healthy Triglycerides level 0-149mg/dl

Glucose

There are two types of diabetes.

• Type 1 is insulin-dependent (non-insulin production)

• Type 2 is non-insulin-dependent (lifestyle choice).

• Healthy Glucose level 65-99mg/dl

Walking Is The Most Affordable Form Of Exercise.

Walking is the most affordable exercise that can immediately improve your mental and physical health. Walking outdoors boosts your feel-good endorphins. You can walk anywhere, anytime.

Aim for 150 minutes per week of movement. Also, add strength training (bodyweight exercises) twice a week.

Reduce Stress by Getting Enough Sleep.

Research has indicated that people who are sleep-deprived and maintain high-stress levels have high levels of the hormone called cortisol. Excessive cortisol levels in the body cause the following:

• Anxiety and depression

• Headaches

• Muscle tension and pain

• Metabolic Syndrome

• Sleep problems

• Weight gain

• Problems with memory and focus

Eat as Healthy as You Can within Your Finances.

The cost of eating out is so expensive now. Prioritize your health with budget-friendly, nutritious eating habits by eating at home, which is healthier for you and your family.

Following the recommendations of USDA, a well-balanced nutritional meal plan rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins such as beef, chicken, and fresh fish.

Avoid Eliminate Highly Processed Foods and alcohol daily, which both can wreak havoc on your overall well-being.

The point is that there are available resources to keep you healthy and cost-effective measures you can take to keep yourself and your family healthy.

I hope I have provided valuable information and professional resource links for you. Now, it is your responsibility to take control of your health.