Essential Health Metrics: Nutrition, Diagnosis, and Disease Facts

Nutrients and Life Stages

The quantity of nutrients that our body needs depends on the stage of life we are in.

• Breastfeeding (0–6 months): Requires breast milk.
• Childhood: Diet gradually becomes similar to an adult diet. Children generally require more calories for growth.
• Adolescence: Nutritional needs are similar to adults.

Nutritional Needs During Adulthood

Specific needs apply, especially during pregnancy. Pregnant women require approximately 300 kcal more per day, increased proteins, specific vitamins (e.g., folic acid), minerals (e.g., calcium), water, and fiber.

Nutritional Needs in Old Age

Older adults generally require similar nutrients to adults, but fewer calories overall.

Macronutrient Distribution and Calories

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) percentages for energy intake:

• Carbohydrates: 55–60% of total calories.
• Fats: 20–30% of total calories.
  • Polyunsaturated: 7–10%
  • Monounsaturated: 10–20%
  • Saturated: Up to 10%
• Proteins: 10–25% of total calories.

Vitamins and Minerals

RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) is typically measured in mg/day. NE indicates “Not Evaluated.”

Medical Diagnosis and Vital Signs

Diagnosis means determining a disease by interpreting the signs and symptoms presented by the affected person. Common diagnostic procedures include measuring temperature, blood pressure, determining female hormones, glucose levels, and basic urine analysis.

Body Temperature Measurement

Normal range is 36.5–37.5 °C (degrees Celsius). A temperature equal to or over 38 °C indicates fever; less than 36 °C indicates hypothermia. Measured using a thermometer.

Blood Pressure Measurement

Blood pressure measures the pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels, and it is one of the principal vital signs. Measured using a sphygmomanometer.

• Maximum (Systolic): 90–129 mmHg
• Minimum (Diastolic): 60–84 mmHg

Common Diagnostic Tests

• Pregnancy Test: Detects the hCG hormone in urine.
• Blood Glucose Test: The instrument used to measure glucose in the blood is called a glucometer.

Creatinine and Kidney Function Tests

Creatinine and the creatinine clearance test measure the level of the waste product creatinine in your blood and urine. Three types of tests involving creatinine can be performed:

1. Blood Creatinine Level: A high creatinine level may indicate that your kidneys are not functioning properly.
2. Creatinine Clearance Test: Provides a more precise measure of how well your kidneys are working compared to the blood level test.
3. Blood Urea Nitrogen-to-Creatinine Ratio (BUN:Creatinine): Urea is a waste product formed when protein is broken down in the liver. This ratio helps assess kidney and liver function.

Sputum Collection Instructions

Sputum is the mucus or phlegm coughed up from your lungs. It is not saliva or mucus from the back of the throat.

Follow these steps for proper collection:

1. Gargle with water to rinse out your mouth.
2. Take deep breaths through your mouth. Try to cough up mucus from deep in your chest. You may need to take several deep breaths and cough repeatedly.
3. Open the jar and hold it close to your mouth. Spit the mucus into the jar, ensuring none gets on the outside of the container.

Infectious Diseases

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus destroys white blood cells. The virus lives in body fluids such as semen and blood. There is currently no cure for AIDS.

Ebola Virus Transmission

Ebola can be transmitted through:

• Close contact with a person infected with Ebola.
• Blood and other bodily fluids.
• Contaminated syringes.
• Animals.
• Air, water, food, and mosquitos.