Introduction
Physical health is essential for maintaining our overall well-being. However, the vast and complex medical terminology associated with it can often be challenging to understand. From medical conditions to treatment methods, the lack of familiarity with specific terms can hinder our ability to participate in our health care fully. In this blog post, we will cover ten essential physical health terminologies that you should know.
Body
1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a measuring tool used to determine an individual’s body weight by assessing the ratio of the person’s height and weight. It is an essential metric that can guide health care providers to assess the risk of developing numerous physical health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
2. Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood circulating through the blood vessels. High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. It can lead to severe health problems such as heart attack and stroke.
3. Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat made by the liver that is essential for several body functions. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to a higher risk of heart disease.
4. Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is assessed using two numbers. The top number, or systolic pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart beats, while the bottom number, or diastolic pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries at rest.
5. Glucose
Glucose is a vital source of energy that comes from the food we eat. It is crucial to maintaining optimum physical health, but too much glucose in the blood can lead to diabetes.
6. LDL and HDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is known as the “bad” cholesterol, as high levels of it can increase the risk of heart disease. On the contrary, HDL cholesterol, known as the “good” cholesterol, may help remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.
7. Hemoglobin A1C
Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that measures the average blood sugar level over the last two to three months. This test is essential for people with diabetes to assess and manage their blood glucose levels.
8. Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is a type of physical activity that increases the heart rate and breathing rate. Regular aerobic exercise can significantly improve physical health, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
9. Anaerobic Exercise
Anaerobic exercise is a type of physical activity that strengthens the muscles and improves the body’s ability to produce and sustain energy. This type of exercise is vital to maintaining physical health and can help reduce the risk of injuries such as falls.
10. Metabolism
Metabolism refers to all the chemical processes that occur within the body to transform food into energy. A high metabolism rate can help burn calories faster and maintain a healthy weight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering physical health vocabulary is crucial to maintaining optimum health. Understanding these ten essential terms will allow you to communicate effectively with your healthcare providers and take ownership of your physical health. It is important to adhere to regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, and stay informed about your body’s needs to achieve optimum physical health.
