6. The state of your oral health
Caused by dental plaque, gingivitis is associated with a 63 per cent increased risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a 2007 Harvard School of Public Health study. Dentists say that because we have our own teeth longer than previous generations, gum disease is on the rise, with an estimated 75 per cent of Canadian adults affected, according to the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.
Take action: Brush and floss regularly and maintain a well-balanced diet, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, when women are more susceptible to gum disease.
7. Whether you sleep enough
On average, Canadians get 20 per cent less sleep than they did a century ago, before electric lights were introduced. And we're paying for it. Not only does sleep deprivation cause increased fatigue and mental disorders, a Columbia University study found that adults who get less than four hours of sleep a night are 73 per cent more likely to be obese.
Take action: Stick to a relaxing bedtime routine; avoid food and alcohol after 8 p.m. and don't watch TV in bed.
8. If you're at risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS)
Described as the disease with no known cause or cure, MS attacks the central nervous system and causes fatigue, impaired vision, memory loss and poor motor skills. Canadian researchers recently found the incidence in women has tripled in the past 60 years, possibly due to lifestyle, environment and genetic factors.
Take action: Educate yourself. Visit the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada's website at www.mssociety.ca.
9. The pattern of your menstrual cycle
Irregular periods can have several causes but if you also have facial hair, a deepened voice and benign ovarian cysts, you may have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone imbalance disorder that affects five to 10 per cent of Canadian women. PCOS sufferers have trouble conceiving, a 70 per cent miscarriage rate and are seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Take action: Talk to your doctor, get plenty of exercise and rebalance your hormones with a diet that matches carbohydrates and protein, gram for gram.
10. If you're getting enough zinc in your diet
Do you love carbs, but have dermatitis, stomach pain, diarrhea, respiratory problems, no appetite and slow-healing wounds? Far from minor irritations, they spell a suppressed immune system from zinc deficiency. Caused by a high-cereal/low-protein diet, zinc deficiency affects everything from your skin to gene regulation.
Take action: Boost your intake of legumes and other protein sources and take 6 to 12 mg of zinc daily.
For more information on how you can assess your health at home, consult our whole health report card.
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