Doctor Alexander Myasnikov shared recommendations for monitoring health, emphasizing that it is not that difficult — just regularly undergo check-ups, examine yourself in the mirror, and use a measuring tape, a blood pressure monitor, and scales.
External Examination
It is important to periodically assess your condition in the mirror — pay attention to the symmetry of your body, the presence of new spots or moles. “Examine yourself from one side, then from the other, while remembering to pull in your stomach. Take a measuring tape — it is an indispensable tool. Measure your waist: for men, it should not exceed 102 cm, and for women, 80 cm,” Myasnikov explained.
It is worth noting that women are more concerned about slimness and appearance, while men are less attentive, believing that their weight is normal. In fact, this may indicate that health is at risk, the doctor added.
It is also necessary to calculate the body mass index. “This is an important indicator, and exceeding it significantly increases the risks of hypertension and oncological diseases,” Myasnikov added.
Keep an eye on moles on your body, especially new ones, and pay attention to changes in their size and shape. It is also important to check your nails, as subungual melanoma can manifest there. If a nail has turned blue, but not due to injury, this is a warning sign.
Be sure to examine your mouth for any formations, lift your tongue, and carefully examine it.
Pay attention to various folds on your body — under the breasts, under the armpits. For example, if a brown velvet stripe appears under the breasts and the skin becomes rough, this may indicate diabetes or oncology. “You should know your body well, especially in areas that are not always visible — this includes the hairy part of the head and various folds, this is very important,” the doctor warned.
“In fact, this is a classic situation — we remember the brand of our car, but do not know the basic indicators of our health. You should know your cholesterol and glucose levels — for example, a level of 5.7 already indicates prediabetes, and you need to take a test for glycosylated hemoglobin. Blood pressure can be measured at home, and it is also important to monitor your pulse. Currently, it is also relevant to measure the oxygen level in the blood,” the doctor added.
Heart Rate
The doctor noted that knowing your pulse is as important as the “Our Father” prayer. You should also monitor how quickly your pulse returns to normal after physical exertion. “You may have a rare pulse, but if you climb to the 5th floor, it can reach 100 beats per minute. In a healthy person, after a minute it will drop to 80, and another minute later — to 70. In a person with early heart failure, the pulse will remain at 100 for longer. It is important to understand this,” the doctor explained.
You need to constantly monitor your condition so that you are not surprised when a heart attack or stroke occurs unexpectedly. In fact, a person has been heading towards this for 20 years, eating poorly and not paying attention to changes in their health, the doctor concluded.
