So, Who Says I'm Fat?

For centuries the definition of fat has been up for grabs. A
hundred years ago, a man's bulging belly or a woman carrying 20 extra
pounds signified wealth, desirability and high social status. But if
today's rail-thin supermodels were transported back to those stodgy
times, their figures would doubtless be deemed undernourished and
under-sexy.

In more recent decades, insurance companies set general standards in
the United States for healthy height and weight. But their definitions
of overweight and obese have grown skinnier over the years.

So How Do You Know If You're Fat?

And how do you figure out what's the best weight for your
health? Sure, you could stand naked in front of a full length mirror
for a self-evaluation, but you may only focus on your face and screen
out the rest of your body the ultimate denial. Or, you could ask your
insurance company for a copy of its height and weight tables and see
how you rate. Or, you can have an exercise physiologist measure your
body fat level.

Perhaps the best way to know how your body fits into the fat spectrum
is to do as experts such as the National Center For Health Statistics,
insurance companies, and physicians do, and use the Body Mass Index, or
BMI.

The BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by the square of your
height, in meters. While the National Center For Health Statistics and
the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention offer guidelines
for evaluating overweight and obesity, it must be noted that these
still apply only to general populations and not individuals.

Calculate Your BMI

We've made it easy to calculate your BMI by translating the metrics to pounds. Try it!

1. Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.
2. Multiply your height in inches by itself.
3. Divide the first number by the second.
4. Round to the nearest whole number: that's your BMI.

Most Common Allergy Testing Procedures

Although there are many allergy testing methods used to determine the presence of allergens, but the three most common allergy testing procedures are skin tests, elimination tests, and the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). It should be noted, however, that the accuracy of these tests varies widely and even the same test performed at different times may yield different results. It is also possible for a person to react to a substance during testing but not under normal exposure. False negatives occur often.

SKIN TESTS

Allergy skin testing is by far the most used of the three methods but it too varies in methodology. With the scratch test a small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the forearm or upper arm (or on the back) and then introduced under the surface by scratching or pricking. The skin is then observed for swelling or redness. Results normally appear in about 20 minutes and the test can be conducted with a number of suspected allergens at one time. Skin tests are useful in detecting respiratory allergies, penicillin allergy, insect allergies, and food based allergies.

ELIMINATION TESTS

Food allergies are also often investigated via an elimination diet. Suspect foods are removed from the diet for several weeks and then re-introduced one at a time with the person monitoring their reactions. Because some people become convinced that they are allergic to a given food, double blind tests are sometimes required in which suspect foods and harmless placebos are disguised and given to the patient.

RADIOALLERGOSORBENT TEST (RAST)

Food allergies can be extremely severe however and given the potential for a life-threatening reaction, an allergy blood test is often a safer approach. The radioallergosorbent or RAST test is performed in a laboratory and tests for specific amounts of IgE antibodies that will be present in the blood during a true allergic reaction.

How to Be Single and Sublimely Satisfied!

Whether you've chosen the single life or are between relationships, you can build a terrific solo life. And, if you're looking to attract true love, turns out that having a terrific single life is just the thing to do.

Below are six major components for being single and happy, as well as suggestions on how to add each one to your current life.

1. Community
What it means: Building a community means having people who are there for you, people who care about you and your life.

Why it matters: Many singles feel lonely and disconnected, which affects their quality of life. They act as if the only way to get their emotional needs met is through a partner. Not true. Members of your community can meet many of your needs, and the more your needs get met, the less needy and the more attractive you become -- and the less you need a partner.

What you can do: Build community by volunteering or by joining clubs around subjects that interest you. Reach out to people already in your life.

2. A Life Rich in Pleasure
What it means: Think of your life's outlook after indulging in something nurturing and pleasurable, such as being in nature, exercise or a good meal. Doesn't life look full of promise? Imagine a life rich in such moments of pleasure and you'll instantly increase your happiness quota.

Why it matters: Many singles forego pleasure and self-care for their jobs or career. It's as if they themselves don't matter; only their accomplishments do.

What you can do: Add three luxurious, pleasurable things to your day. These don't have to be huge -- perhaps a 10-minute stroll, a few minutes reading a book, a cat nap, a body-care product that smells or feels good, a sit-down meal. Figure out what these three things are by remembering the last few times you felt truly luxuriated.

3. A Life Lived Now
What it means: Many singles wait until they're in a relationship to live the kind of life they want and to do the things they love to do. Yet your life happens now -- today. It's not a dress rehearsal for when you have a relationship.

Why it matters: When you want to participate in life, but stop yourself because you are single, you stifle your spirit. On the other hand, living the life you want now enlivens and energizes you and gives you a sense of well-being and happiness. And living your life now also makes you very attractive!

What you can do: Figure out what things you haven't done because you've been waiting for a partner. Which three sound the most fun and give you the most charge when you think about them? Do them now.

4. Relationship Skill Building
What it means: There's a real set of skills few of us know exists -- and even fewer actually have -- that guarantee you'll attract a good, compatible partner and build a great, healthy relationship. The fact that you haven't had a successful lifelong relationship so far doesn't mean that you're doomed to wander the earth alone or that something's wrong with you. It's simply a matter of learning new skills.

Why it matters: Many singles worry that they'll continue to have unhappy, unsuccessful relationships. Many believe there is nothing short of settling that can be done about being single. Many fear they are meant to be alone.

What you can do: Put yourself in relationship school. Read books about relationship skills, go to workshops and seminars, hire a relationship coach. Keep learning and becoming confident in your skills and don't give up!

5. Putting the Past in the Past
What it means: Most people know that they need to let go of the past, yet believe that they cannot. However, there's a real set of skills that guarantee you'll let go of all past hurts and resentments.

Why it matters: Many singles hold on to the past as a way of preventing the same thing from happening in the future. Others hold on because they don't know how to let go. Either way, the past drains your vital life energy. There is no surer way to spoil an otherwise great life than with resentments and anger about days gone by.

What you can do: Learn how to let go. Put yourself in completion school. Read books, go to workshops and seminars, hire a therapist or a coach. Keep learning new ways to let go of the past, then apply them to gaining more and more freedom.

6. Passion/Purpose/Vision/Action
What it means: Be powered by passion about your life. Have a purpose for waking up in the morning. Have a vision of your place in the world and what you want to contribute to others. Take action about all of these.

Why it matters: Many singles are waiting for a relationship to infuse their life with passion and purpose, not realizing that a loving partner is not a substitute for a meaningful life. Single or with a partner, your life's purpose is your own, and will energize you when pursued. You'll be happiest following your life purpose.

What you can do: Figure out what makes time stop for you, what lights you up to no end, what always fuels you with energy. Whatever that activity may be, it's a part of your life purpose. Now get into action on that wonderful thing, and let it lift you and transform you.