What is my BMI? – Does BMI Really Matter?

September 19, 2009 · Posted in Health and Body · Comments Off on What is my BMI? – Does BMI Really Matter? 

BMI (body mass index) is a calculation which takes your height in feet and inches, as well as your weight in pounds, and gives you some random number.

What is my BMI? – I’m a 25.8 – over weight (go to http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ and type in 5’7″ / 165)  But BMI really mean anything?

Well according to the calculation, if your number is less than 18.5, then you’re UNDER weight.
Between 18.5 and 24.9 is NORMAL weight
Between 25 and 29.9 is OVER weight
and you’re considered OBEASE if your BMI is above 30.

Guess what my body fat percentage is… <5%… would you call me over weight?

The truth is, I work out often, and with heavy weights – so I have a lot of muscle.  Oh yeah, and I started playing soccer at age 5, so my legs are definitely more muscular than your average 25 year old.

I’m in shape, body looks good, and couldn’t be healthier – but my BMI says I’m fat.  I don’t thinks so.

My theory is that BMI isn’t always right – and it doesn’t really mean anything.  Ok, it has some merit, it gives you a general idea of where you should take your body.

So next time you ask “What’s my BMI?” – don’t thnk too much of it or read too much into it.

Is Sodium the same as Salt?

February 20, 2009 · Posted in Health and Body · Comments Off on Is Sodium the same as Salt? 

Before taking chemistry classes, I used to wonder: is sodium the same as salt?

You see sodium on the nutrition fact label and salt on your kitchen table, you wonder… are they the same thing?  YES, they are, kind of…

Everyday table salt has the chemical formula: NaCl – or Sodium Chloride.

Sodium is just half of the chemical equation known as salt (the NA part).

Ok – now that we have that established… what’s the big deal you right?  Well, ever heard of blood pressure?  How about heart attack?

High sodium intake diets have been linked to several different diseases and conditions, mostly having to do with your heart and blood pressure.  In short – the more sodium you take in, the higher your risk of heart disease (stroke, heart attack, etc…). Read more