To My Patients - emailed 1/2/2016

To My Patients, Hope you're doing well in preparation for the new year. Let's all look forward to a fresh start, and more healthy choices in 2016. → I'm Doing Something New I decided that for 2016, I'm not making resolutions, I'm simply going to bring back an old tradition of good medicine. I'm going to do what very few physicians are doing these days. I am going to make house calls. House calls will be limited to those patients who are home bound, or for other good reasons can't make into the office. So, if you really need a house call, give a call! → More About Fat We all know about the dangers of excessive weight, so I will not repeat it here. Excess fat is usually estimated by the BMI (Body Mass Index), where a BMI of 19-25 is considered normal, and a BMI of over 40 is considered to be morbid obesity. But recent research (Annals of Intern Medicine, Nov 10, 2015) confirmed that some people with a normal or near-normal BMI also have a similar risk to those with a high BMI. How is this possible? These are people with a high "waist to hip ratio," also referred to as "central obesity," and colloquially as "spare tire belly." Men with a waste/hip ratio of 0.9 or higher, and women with a waist/hip ratio of 0.85 or higher, are considered to be centrally obese. If you are centrally obese you carry the risks of obesity. If your BMI is high, this adds to the risk. → How to Calculate the Important Waist/Hip Ratio Measure your waist circumference at the thinnest part of your waist, usually half inch to an inch above the belly button. Make sure you take the measurement at the end of a normal exhalation. Measure your hip circumference around the widest part of the hips or buttocks. Divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement, and there you have it. → How to Calculate Your BMI You'll need to know your height and weight (honesty is important here). Now, go to my blog, www.drstaw.com, and use the calculator on the right hand column. Need help in getting your BMI or waist/hip ratio moving in the direction? Want to get rid of the "spare tire?" Call for an appointment today and make 2016 a banner year for your health! Have a great year and stay well, Dr. Staw istaw@drstaw.com