Below are the different health factors we evaluate to determine your vitality score. Each factor plays a unique role and can act as a looking glass into your true health. You may know or be able to calculate some of these items yourself, but we encourage you to work with a provider to determine next best steps forward.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
A healthy BMI is a good indicator that your body weight is in proportion to your height. A higher BMI may indicate obesity, which increases your at risk for a multitude of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and many more We recommend maintaining a BMI between 20-25. You can calculate your BMI here.
Waist/Hip Ratio
By measuring the ratio of your waist circumference to your hip circumference we can determine how much fat is stored on your waist, hips, and buttocks. People who carry more weight around their midsection (an apple-shaped body) are at higher risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death than those who carry more of their weight in their hips and thighs (a pear-shaped body). For more information and a walk-through on how to calculate your Waist/Hip Ratio click here.
Fasting Glucose Level
Fasting blood glucose is a measure of how your body is managing you blood sugar. A higher fasting glucose score may indicate health problems such as diabetes. Fasting glucose can be measured at home or in office with finger-prick blood sample. Fasting means after not having anything to eat or drink (except water) for at least 8 hours before the sample is taken. This test is usually done first thing in the morning, before breakfast.
A1C
A1C also measures your body's blood sugar, but over a longer period of time. It evaluates your average blood glucose over the last three months or so, whereas the fasting glucose level only records blood sugar at one point in time. Again, a higher score indicates pre-diabetes or diabetes.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension can lead to all sorts of health problems including stroke, heart disease, eye problems, and kidney failure. It can also be difficult to notice if you suffer from hypertension, as there are no noticeable symptoms. As such, it is important to check your blood pressure often, especially as we age. Normal blood pressure is 120/80.
Total Cholesterol/HDL Cholesterol Ratio
You may have heard that there is a "good cholesterol" and a "bad cholesterol" and it's true! This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood and how much is the "good" HDL or "high-density lipoprotein" cholesterol. The bad cholesterol, LDL or "low-density lipoprotein" is what causes damage to your heart and arteries. HDL will actually absorb the bad cholesterol out of your bloodstream, so a lower total cholesterol/HDL ratio means you have more good cholesterol and better heart health.
High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein Inflammation
This test measures the level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is made by the liver in response to inflammation in your body. Higher CRP levels may indicate an infectious, autoimmune or inflammatory disease.
All of these tests and more are available at LifeScape! We invite you to complete the form and download the quiz to determine your vitality score, and discuss your results with a LifeScape practitioner.
