Results - Part II

Last month, I had my final screening for the Get Fit Challenge. This month, my employer sponsored a Health Fair. Hospital staff were brought in to measure BMI (body mass index), cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, and new this year: bone density testing.

Bone density testing uses ultrasound waves to determine bone strength. A positive score means bone density is higher than the average density of young adults. A lower score indicates below average. Most adults over 35 experience bone density loss. The lower the score, the higher the risk for fractures and osteoporosis.

The nurse had to use ultrasound gel on me (as opposed to the spray she used on everyone else). She told me: “You must have really good bones because the machine isn’t taking a reading with the spray.” Sure enough: +2.3 score.

Other results were as follows (compared to last months Get Fit scores):

• Weight: Lost 2.2 lbs – Not bad considering I’ve been slacking on exercise
BMI: Went down .2 points
• Cholesterol: Went up 9 points – more than likely that’s due to eating breakfast when I should’ve fasted (Hey, I was hungry... and I forgot!)
• Glucose: 96 points (normal range should be below 200)
• Blood Pressure: the lower number was a little high compared to their standards, but fine compared to my local hospital’s standards. Could be due to stress (Think I have any?)

My scores probably would've been worse had my coworkers not "saved" me when they saw a cup of coffee laden with sugar in my hand.

Them: "You're not drinking THAT are you?"

Me: "Well, uh, yeah... I'm tired" LOL

Them: "You can't have that."

Me: "Why not?"

Them: "We have the health fair. You're supposed to fast. That caffeine and sugar is going to mess up your scores."

Me: "Well, crap. I guess I'll dump it out then. Water just doesn't cut it when you need a "pick me up". LOL Oh, and I ate breakfast, too."

Overall, I was pleased and it gives me incentive to continue on the path to a healthy lifestyle.


Nancy – How are you doing on the weight loss?? (Had to ask!)