Sunday, April 06, 2008

Health Tips for April 6

Health Tip: Calculating Your BMI

Body-mass index (BMI) is a good indicator of whether you are at a healthy weight.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says BMI is calculated by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703, and dividing that number by your height in inches. Then divide the result again by your height in inches.

The agency offers the following ranges for interpreting BMI:

* A score below 18.5 indicates being underweight.
* Between 18.5 and 24.9 means a healthy body weight.
* Between 25 and 29.9 means you are overweight.
* Between 30 and 39.9 indicates obesity.
* A score of 40 or higher indicates morbid obesity.

Health Tip: Sports Safety for Kids

Kids need to take special care to prevent injuries to growing bones and muscles while playing sports.

Here are safety guidelines for kids, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Prepare for sports by getting into good physical shape.
* Learn all the rules of the sport.
* Always wear appropriate protective equipment, and learn how to use it correctly.
* Always warm up and stretch before you play.
* If you feel pain or you are too tired, avoid playing until you feel better.

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