Obesity

Obesity traditionally has been defined as a weight at least 20% above the weight corresponding to the lowest death rate for individuals of a specific height, gender, and age (ideal weight). Twenty to forty percent over ideal weight is considered mildly obese; 40-100% over ideal weight is considered moderately obese; and 100% over ideal weight is considered severely, or morbidly, obese. More recent guidelines for obesity use a measurement called BMI (body mass index) which is the individual's weight multiplied by 703 and then divided by twice the height in inches. BMI of 25.9-29 is considered overweight; BMI over 30 is considered obese. Measurements and comparisons of waist and hip circumference can also provide some information regarding risk factors associated with weight. The higher the ratio, the greater the chance for weight-associated complications. Calipers can be used to measure skin-fold thickness to determine whether tissue is muscle (lean) or adipose tissue (fat).

Much concern has been generated about the increasing incidence of obesity among Americans. Some studies have noted an increase from 12% to 18% occurring between 1991 and 1998. Other studies have actually estimated that a full 50% of all Americans are overweight. The World Health Organization terms obesity a worldwide epidemic, and the diseases which can occur due to obesity are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Excessive weight can result in many serious, potentially life-threatening health problems, including hypertension, Type II diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent diabetes), increased risk for coronary disease, increased unexplained heart attack, hyperlipidemia, infertility, and a higher prevalence of colon, prostate, endometrial, and, possibly, breast cancer. Approximately 300,000 deaths a year are attributed to obesity, prompting leaders in public health, such as former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M.D., to label obesity "the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States."

Heart Transplatation

Patients with end-stage heart disease that threatens their life even after medical treatment may be considered for heart transplantation. Potential candidates must have a complete medical examination before they can be put on the transplant waiting list. Many types of tests are done, including blood tests, x rays, and tests of heart, lung, and other organ function. The results of these tests indicate to doctors how serious the heart disease is and whether or not a patient is healthy enough to survive the transplant surgery.

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Know your real age by - www.healthji.com

This tools helps you to determine your "Health age"

What is a Health Age Lifestyle and Longevity Assessment?

This is an electronic application based on a self reporting questionnaire. This assessment will help you in finding your health age based on your present lifestyle, through this we will provide you personalized ways to improvise on your actual age and help you learn about the potential years which can be added to your age.

The assessment is comprised of two parts:

1.Biographical Information: A set of questions regarding your personal details and your current health status.
2.Lifestyle Questionnaire: A set of 12 questions assessing your dietary and lifestyle habits.
At the completion of the assessment, the above data will be used to generate a comprehensive report consisting of:

•an overall lifestyle Score
•an individual lifestyle score of Key Lifestyle Predictors of Health and Longevity including physical activity, smoking status, BMI, red meat, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts, water, happiness, social support, sleep, and stress.
•a health age appraisal giving you your current age, potential health age, health age, and potential added years of life.
Recommended values for improvement are provided in each category.

Why should one complete a Health Age-Lifestyle and Longevity Assessment?

This will identify your current health status leading to:

•Adaptation of better lifestyle predictors to enhance your health age
•Adaptation of guidelines for healthy living
•Addition of potential years to your life
This report can be printed and carried along with you to your doctor, so that he or she may be updated with your lifestyle and dietary habits. We suggest carrying this with you during while traveling in case of any unforeseen medical emergency.

How long would it take to complete A Health Age-Lifestyle and Longevity Assessment?


Approximately 10 minutes.

Is there anything else I should know about completing a health Age-lifestyle and longevity assessment?

While completing your health information, accuracy and openness is vital for a proper comprehension of your health by your health care professional. The only way that he/she can provide you with the most effective and useful treatment is if the information stated on your record is complete and accurate in all respects.