Your Health: It's a Numbers Game

While healthcare specifics vary by individual, having a general understanding established by doctors and research can help guide your daily choices for the better. Covering topics from diet to sleep, we've rounded up a few numbers you should strive for or, at the very least, consider. Some numbers are simply a reminder, while others may surprise you. Check out the complete list below.

  • 1 glass of wine each day can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower depression, and improve your memory.
  • 1 dose of aspirin per day will decrease your risk of cancer.
  • 2 is the number of dental checkups you should have each year.
  • 2 cups of a coffee a day may help you live longer.
  • 2 years is the time you should wait between Pap smears.
  • 7 is the number of minutes you need to burn fat and blast calories doing a HIIT workout.
  • 7 is the minimum number of hours of sleep you should aim for each night.
  • 8 grams of fiber should be eaten at breakfast to help control blood sugars throughout the day.
  • 20 minutes is when you should start powering down your electronics before bed.
  • 28 days is the time it takes to break a bad habit.
  • 30 minutes is the time you should wait to brush your teeth after a meal.
  • 35 inches or smaller is the waist size women should maintain to decrease their changes of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
  • 42 is the percentage of Americans expected to be obese by 2030 — stay clear with these healthy tips.
  • 50 or above is the ideal number for normal HDL (healthy cholesterol). LDL (unhealthy cholesterol) should be under 100.
  • 91 ounces of water a day will keep you hydrated; about 20 percent comes from food. Drink 8-9 glasses of water for the rest.
  • 150 is the number minutes you should work out each week.
  • 300 is the amount of extra calories often consumed by those who don't get a good night's sleep.
  • 2,000 is the standard number of calories the FDA recommends women should consume each day.