How often have we taken note of our body parts? They are so much a part of us that we hardly notice if this finger is longer than the other or whether our hands or legs are within the “healthy” length.
1. Finger length
According to British researchers, women who have shorter index fingers than their ring fingers are more prone to osteoarthritis in the knees. They tend to have lower levels of estrogen, which may also play a role in the development of osteoarthritis.
Precautionary measure: Strengthen the muscles surrounding your knees. Add such exercises to your daily stretching routine.
2. Leg length
If you have stocky legs, do take better care of your liver. In a 2008 study, British researchers found that women with legs between 20 and 29 inches long tended to have higher levels of four enzymes that indicate liver disease.
Precautionary measure: Take supplements to tone your liver. Limit or omit alcohol intake
3. Arm length
Can you touch your toes while standing in upright position (even though you are flexible)? Women with shorter arms are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those with longer reaches. Spread your arms on the floor and have someone measure fingertips to fingertips; the shortest spans were less than 60 inches.)
Precautionary measure: Get involved with a hobby such as painting or pottery. A 5-year study from the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University Medical Center found that adults who spent the most time engaged in stimulating leisure activities were more than 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who spent less time challenging their brains.
4. Earlobe crease
Linear wrinkles in one or both lobes may predict future cardiovascular events (heart attack, bypass surgery, or cardiac death). A crease on one lobe raises the risk by 33%; a crease on both lobes increases it by 77%, even after adjusting for other known risk factors. Though experts aren’t exactly sure, they suspect a loss of elastic fibers may cause both the crease and the hardening of arteries.
Precautionary measure: Diet and lifestyle is the key factor to a healthy heart.
5. Calf size
Women with small calves (13 inches or less around) tended to develop more carotid plaques, a known risk factor for stroke. The subcutaneous fat in larger calves may pull fatty acids from the bloodstream and store them where they are less of a risk factor, say researchers.
Precautionary measure: No need to bulk up your legs, but sip green tea to stay healthy. In a study of more than 40,500 Japanese men and women, those who drank five or more cups of green tea every day had the lowest risk of dying of heart disease and stroke. Here again, diet and lifestyle is very important
