{"id":28,"date":"2023-09-29T09:58:41","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T13:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/bodymeasurements\/?post_type=chapter&p=28"},"modified":"2024-01-19T15:26:57","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T20:26:57","slug":"weight-and-height","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/bodymeasurements\/chapter\/weight-and-height\/","title":{"raw":"Weight and Height","rendered":"Weight and Height"},"content":{"raw":"Weight<\/strong> refers to the amount that a person weighs (ie., how heavy they are) and is typically reported in kilograms in Canada (metric system). However, if you ask clients their weight, they will probably provide it to you in pounds (imperial system). Thus, you may need to convert weight from the imperial to the metric system and vice versa. 1 kilogram = 2.2 lbs<\/strong>. Thus, if a client tells you that they are 50 lbs, then to convert to kg, you would divide 50 by 2.2 which equals 22.7 kg.\r\n\r\nHeight<\/strong> refers to the distance upward (ie., how tall a person is) and is typically reported by healthcare professionals in metres\/centimetres in Canada (metric system). However, if you ask clients their height, they will probably provide it to you in feet\/inches (imperial system). Thus, you may need to convert height from the imperial to the metric system and vice versa. 1 metre = 3.28 feet<\/strong> = 39.37 inches (1 foot = 12 inches). Thus, if a client tells you that they are 5.2, then to convert to metres, you would divide 5.2 by 3.28 = 1.58 metres.\r\n\r\nThese measurements are often assessed together particularly in childhood and adolescence and\/or with a first healthcare visit. In adulthood, weight is often assessed as needed during preventative primary healthcare visits or at each visit with a specialist when undergoing long-term treatments for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart failure.\r\n

Weight measurement<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIn a primary care setting, weight measurement is usually done on a mechanical beam scale,<\/strong> which has a balance bar as opposed to a digital scale. They have been shown to be more accurate than digital scales. See Figure 1<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nIf using a mechanical beam scale, the steps in measuring weight<\/strong> are:\r\n
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  1. Ensure accurate calibration by checking to see that the balance bar is in the middle of the balance bar window when the small and large weight indicators are at zero.<\/li>\r\n \t
  2. Ask the client to remove their shoes and any heavy garments such as a coat. If there are concerns, you may have the client wear a gown.<\/li>\r\n \t
  3. Ask the client to step on the scale. (when they do so, the balance bar will move up)<\/li>\r\n \t
  4. Now, you will move the large weight indicator followed by the small weight indicator until the balance bar is in the middle of the balance bar window. If the balance bar is above the middle of the balance bar window, you need to increase the weight indicators. If the balance bar is below the middle of the balance bar window, you need to decrease the weight indicators.<\/li>\r\n \t
  5. You can note the weight when you have adjusted the weight indicators until the balance bar is in the middle of the balance bar window. To note the weight, you should add the large and small weight indicators together.<\/li>\r\n \t
  6. For example, in Figure 1<\/strong>, the weight in pounds is 72.8 lbs. Since 1 kg =2.2 lbs, you would divide 72.8 lbs by 2.2 to get a weight of 33.09 kg.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nHere is a video<\/a> that shows you how to use a mechanical beam scale, although please note it is in pounds.\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nFigure 1<\/strong>: Mechanical beam scale (illustrated by Tayiba Rahman)\r\n

    Height measurement<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHeight measurement can be done with a device that consists of a vertical ruler and an adjustable horizontal height rod that can be adjusted up or down so that the headpiece rests on the crown of the head (i.e., the top of the head). See Figure 2<\/strong>. This device is often attached to the mechanical beam scales in healthcare facilities particularly in primary care.\r\n\r\n\"Women\r\n\r\nFigure 2<\/strong>: Height measurement (By Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=60558118<\/a>)\r\n\r\nIf using this device, steps in measuring height<\/strong> are:\r\n
      \r\n \t
    1. Ask the client to remove their shoes, hat\/head pieces, and bulky clothing.<\/li>\r\n \t
    2. Have them stand on the scale facing backwards with their head in a neutral position looking straight forward (the scale will be on a flat surface).<\/li>\r\n \t
    3. Have them stand with legs straight and arms straight and hanging at the side.<\/li>\r\n \t
    4. Pull the upper height rod up above their head and then pull the headpiece out so that it is at a right angle to the wall.<\/li>\r\n \t
    5. Lower the upper height rod until the headpiece touches the crown of the client\u2019s head and remains at a right angle to the wall.<\/li>\r\n \t
    6. Ask the client to step off the scale.<\/li>\r\n \t
    7. Note the client\u2019s height at the indicator line (where it says \u201cread\u201d) on the lower height rod (ruler).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n