In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, your health can fall by the wayside.

As you juggle work, family, and maybe a few too many social obligations, you may neglect to check in on your body.

But keeping tabs on certain health metrics is important for not only maintaining short-term but also long-term health.

Taking a few minutes out of your day to check in with your body can help you identify where you’re doing well and, perhaps, where you need to improve.

With this knowledge, you can make necessary adjustments to diet, lifestyle, and behavior — independently or with your healthcare providers — and ensure that your health metrics are where they’re supposed to be.

In this effort, here are a few you should keep track of:
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1. Blood Pressure

Almost half of all adults — some 116 million people — in the U.S. have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

While it usually has no noticeable symptoms, high blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease and stroke. As such, it’s a health metric to keep your eye on.

Ideally, your blood pressure should be around 120/80 mm Hg or lower, although this can vary based on age and health conditions.

A reading above 130/80 mm Hg may indicate high blood pressure.

To keep tabs on your blood pressure, consider using a home monitor or stopping by your local pharmacy for a quick reading.

If you do find that your blood pressure is high, making lifestyle changes — like eating a balanced diet low in sodium, exercising regularly, and managing stress — can help support healthy blood pressure levels.
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2. Resting Heart Rate

Follow your heart, they say, but how well do you really know what it’s up to?

Your resting heart rate is a key indicator of your heart’s health, giving you insight into how your body is keeping up with the hustle and bustle of life.

Generally, a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute (BPM) is considered normal for adults.

If you’re an athlete or someone who’s very active, you might even see numbers below 60 BPM. Keeping track of your resting heart rate can give you valuable insight into your overall fitness and well-being.

To measure it, check your pulse first thing in the morning before you get out of bed.

Consistently high or fluctuating rates could signal that your heart needs a little extra attention.

So, if you notice something off, don’t hesitate to chat with your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They may suggest making lifestyle tweaks like regular exercise, managing stress, and prioritizing good sleep so you can help keep your resting heart rate where it should be.
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3. Blood Sugar Levels

Your blood sugar is a delicate balance — it shouldn’t be too high, and it shouldn’t be too low, especially if you have (or you’re at risk of) diabetes.

While your blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day, a normal range is generally between 80 and 130 mg/dL before meals.

High blood sugar can lead to long-term health issues, while low blood sugar can leave you feeling weak and dizzy.

To get a quick read, consider investing in a home glucose monitor or stopping by your local pharmacy for a check.

If you notice consistently high readings, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance.

They can walk you through interventions, like choosing balanced meals, staying active, and managing stress, to keep your levels in check.
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4. Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol plays a key role in your body, but too much of it can lead to serious health issues, namely heart disease and stroke.

Ideally, your total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL, with LDL ("bad" cholesterol) under 100 mg/dL and HDL ("good" cholesterol) above 60 mg/dL.

High cholesterol often has no symptoms, so regular testing is key to understanding your levels. You can check your cholesterol at the pharmacy, where many offer quick screenings.

To maintain healthy cholesterol levels, focus on eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, while limiting saturated and trans fats.
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5. BMI/Waist Circumference

Your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are key indicators of your overall health, especially when it comes to assessing your risk for chronic diseases.

BMI provides a rough estimate of body fat based on your height and weight, with a healthy range typically falling between 18.5 and 24.9.

Tools like the NIH’s BMI Calculator can help you understand where you fall.

Waist circumference can also be an important health indicator.

It helps gauge abdominal fat — which can be a significant risk factor for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

A waist measurement of 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women signals potential health risks.

To keep these metrics in check, consider measuring your height and weight regularly and using a measuring tape to check your waist.

If you notice that your BMI or waist circumference is creeping into the higher range, you might want to develop an action plan.

Small changes, like incorporating more physical activity into your day and choosing nutritious foods, can make a big difference.
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6. Oxygen Saturation Levels

Breathing easy?

Oxygen saturation levels tell you just how well your body is getting the oxygen it needs.

It’s usually expressed as a percentage, with a normal range typically between 95% and 100%.

Low oxygen levels can lead to fatigue, confusion, or even shortness of breath — so keeping an eye on this number is essential, especially if you have respiratory conditions or heart disease.

To check your oxygen saturation, you can use a pulse oximeter, which you clip onto your fingertip and get a quick reading. If you notice consistently low levels, it might be a sign that your body isn’t getting the oxygen it needs.

If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
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7. Mental Health Check-Ins

Just as you regularly check in on your physical health, your mental health deserves the same attention.

Mental health check-ins are important for assessing your emotional well-being, stress levels, and of course, your overall happiness.

Signs that you might need a mental health check-in include persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability, as well as changes in sleep or appetite.

You can conduct these check-ins by taking a moment each day to reflect on how you feel or journaling your thoughts and emotions.

If you notice any concerning trends — or if you're feeling overwhelmed —, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.

After all, mental health is health.
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Conclusion

Taking charge of your health metrics is a big step toward a healthier you.

Whether you’re watching your blood pressure, tracking your blood sugar, or checking in on your mental well-being, staying informed is key.

If you want personalized testing, advice, or guidance, don’t forget to visit your local pharmacy. Find a trusted pharmacy near you using our RxLocal Pharmacy Finder.

With the right tools — and the right support — you can set your health up for success.

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