How healthy are you really?
Most women might assume that as long as they exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet, they're likely to live healthy well into old age. However, certain issues can be so subtle that it's hard to notice the problem until it's too late. Prevention magazine recently discussed a few telltale signs that something might be off with your health so you can address the problem before it becomes something major.
What your weight says
Figuring out your waist-to-hip ration can be a better indicator of how fit you are in comparison to checking the weight on your scale. Dr. Susan Bowerman, the assistant director of UCLA's Center for Human Nutrition, reports it's best to measure the distance around your midsection at your belly button and then dividing the number by the distance around your hips' widest point.
According to Bowerman, any number above 0.8 typically means an unhealthy amount of abdominal fat, which has been linked to serious medical conditions. WebMD reports belly fat puts people at a greater risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes even if they are skinnier everywhere else.
You can help rid your midsection of excess weight now but eating a low-fat diet and working out regularly. Using Bliss products like Bliss FatGirlSixPack can also help you sculpt a six-pack after you shed some weight.
How energetic are you?
Feeling tired now and again is a normal part of life - especially if you've been staying up late to work on that project for big name clients. However, if you've been feeling totally exhausted regardless of your routine, something more serious might be happening.
According to Prevention, feeling tired all the time could mean you're suffering from a variety of issues ranging from lack of or poor sleeping habits to a vitamin deficiency or something more serious.
The best way to figure out what's going on if you've been acting less like yourself is to visit your doctor. This way you can get to the root of the problem and get back to feeling like your bubbly self quicker.
Weak nails
If you recently went to use professional nail polish in a fresh spring color and noticed your nails looked weaker, thinner or flakier than usual, an issue with your health could be to blame.
Dr. Manuel Villacorta, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, reports cracked, chipped or yellowing nails can be a sign of nutrient or mineral deficiencies. The trick to curbing this problem? Making sure you get in all food groups including fruits, vegetables protein and whole grains.
