There are a number of “things” that we check on periodically such as:
- Our car’s oil fluid, tire pressure and other “routine” auto components that keep the car running smoothly
- The standings in the sports leagues we follow
- How our not so close relatives are doing
There are other “Things” that we tend to check on daily such as:
- The weather forecast for the days ahead
- How the stock market performed
- How the school/workday transpired for our children/spouse
From a health standpoint, there are many things that do NOT require daily checks such as:
- The status of our teeth (unless we are feeling pain)
- Self-Skin checks for new moles/growths
- The status of our cholesterol levels
However, there are some “things” that should be checked daily including:
- Blood pressure for those that have hypertension
- Blood sugar for those with diabetes mellitus
- Heart rhythm for those people that have cardiac rhythm issues such as atrial fibrillation
Let’s discuss weight: Should this be checked daily? My answer to this will include the psychological makeup of the person. There are a number of people that will literally cry when the scale goes up and become elated when weight loss occurs. Those people will literally drive themselves crazy by weighing themselves every day. For those people, I recommend once a week. However, if you do not get too emotional about the scale result, once a day (same time every day) is a great way of providing you with a reality check. Personally, I adjust my eating the upcoming day based on what I see on that daily weight check. In this manner, one can never gain 5, 10, 20 or more pounds ever again.
“Checking” on things from a health standpoint will lead to a longer and healthier life.
And check out the slow song I danced with my prom date in 1973: “Precious and Few” from the 1970’s group “Climax”. (This can now describe the hairs remaining on my head!)
