Your numbers are your friend, That is the overall lesson that I am trying to teach myself during my summer’s journey as an ambassador for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women BetterU Program. Since I was a child, when someone has said “know your numbers” they have been referring to the numbers on the scale. And most of my life those “numbers” have not felt very friendly, particularly since the birth of my third child. But at age 40, the numbers that I need to be concerned about aren’t just restricted to the scale. As I learned in week 2 of the BetterU program, it’s important to know your cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index. These numbers aren’t your enemy. Quite the contrary. They are your friend, even when they are off the mark. Why? Because knowing your numbers helps you be better, live better, and feel better. If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know what you need to work on, or maintain.

When I had my heart screening earlier this month I found out my all-important numbers. (Unfortunately, I also found out my weight, even though I had my eyes closed and asked not to be told. UGH). The news was good regarding my cholesterol and my blood pressure. I’m managing fairly well in those arenas. But my BMI, (Body Mass Index), was a different story. Which wasn’t surprising to me. Even though I closed my eyes on the scale at the doctor’s office, I am well aware that I am carrying around extra “me” that I don’t need to. Which translates into a high BMI. That was one of the principal reasons that I embarked upon this journey to be BETTER. I don’t just want a Body Mass Index. I want a BETTER Mass Index! [Read more...]