The feeling of invincibility is pretty common among men folks. Unless and until there is a debilitating fever or such signs, men do not like to think that they have fallen prey to some unknown forces or viruses.
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But how do you know if, actually, you are a pretty healthy guy? Apart from not feeling ill, the signs of good health are usually more vague and subtle than the signs of sickness.
Being healthy does not necessarily mean leaping out of bed every morning with an irritating swagger, or never getting a cold, or being able to run ultra-marathons after two weeks of training. You can be healthy without feeling you have always got energy to burn. There are some cues which taken together will suggest that a body is in pretty good condition.
A resting heart rate of around 70 bpm
The first health check to look at is your resting heart rate. Ideally your resting heart rate should be around 70 beats per minute or lower. If it is higher than this, take it as a sign it may be time to devote a little more time to your cardiovascular training to make your heart stronger and more efficient.
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Firm pink nails
While you would never think your fingernails are a sign of good health, they are very telling of your current health condition. You ideally want them to be pink in color, firm to the touch and have a smooth surface. If you have white spots or a few ripples, maybe it is time to speak to your doctor, as this could point to diabetes. If your nails are yellow, this can indicate respiratory disease, so take care immediately.
Color of urine
While it may be the last thing you want to do, checking the color of your urine after you use the washroom is a great way to tell if you are hydrated. If your urine is a deep yellow color, you are not taking in enough clear fluids. Additionally, if you notice any change in odor or any spots of blood in the urine, this is definitely the time to go check with your doctor.
Performing 20 pushups
Performing 20 straight full pushups, maybe even during lunchtime workout at the office, is a good benchmark of what a typical male should be able to complete. If you come in at less than this, it might be time to devote a little more effort to your strength-training routine.
Run a mile in under 15 minutes
To test your cardiovascular fitness on the other hand, try a one-mile run. If it takes you longer than 15 minutes to complete, you are below average in your fitness level. The faster you can run the mile and the lower your heart rate after running, the better physical conditioning you are in.
Bowel movements at the same time daily
For a healthy body, bowel movements should be a very regular thing, occurring each day at the same time. If it occurs periodically or often too hard or soft, it may be cause for alarm. Check your fiber intake, make a few changes as needed and then reassess the situation before seeking medical advice.
Wake up without an alarm at approximately the same time daily
Staying well rested is very critical to good health, as not only does lack of sleep causes you to feel mentally fatigued during the day, but is a sign you may be at risk of having a stroke, obesity or heart disease. If you are well rested, your internal rhythm should be functioning effectively, and you should easily be able to wake up naturally without an alarm at around the same time each morning.
Near the ideal body weight
Your body weight is the next health standard that you must assess if you want to check your overall health level. A great idea is having your BMI assessed, as this is the medical standard that places you either in the underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese categories. A healthy male under 40 should have 8- 19% body fat and those over 41 should be in the 11-22% range.
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After a cardio session, your heart rate returns to normal within 5 minutes
Our next quick and easy assessment of your health is to time how long it takes for your heart rate to return back down to normal after completing a cardiovascular session. The sooner it springs back down, the better shape you are in. Ideally, it should return to resting in five minutes or less.
Shiny, healthy hair
A fine and luscious head of shiny hair not only looks good, it is also a sign that good things are happening in your body. In particular, healthy hair can be a sign of a healthy diet. Dull, dry and brittle hair can be caused by a lack of protein, vitamin E, or essential fatty acids.
Tongue
A tongue with a warm, pinkish color is one clue that you are absorbing sufficient iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. An overly pale and smooth tongue can be a sign of anemia, while a yellowish tint can suggest fungal infection.
These are some of the top signs which will tell you that you are a healthy guy. If you are falling short on any of these, it is time to look at making a few changes to your diet, workout, or lifestyle to get yourself in better overall shape.
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Image courtesy: businesscatalyst.com , healthsciencedegree.info
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