It doesn’t seem that long ago when scales were white squares of metal and plastic with a mechanical needle to point to your weight rounded off to the nearest pound. Nearest couple pounds if your eyes were half shut either in sleep or denial. These usually topped out at around 300 pounds.Now, scales are like a visit to your doctor and your office at the same time.

Not only can they tell you your weight, some up to 450 pounds, some give your BMI - Body Mass Index. Others will give you your TBW - Total Body Water Percentage.

Years ago, if you heard someone coming, you could jump off the scale and no one would know where the needle had been. Now, they havee not only digital displays, but they talk too! Sure, I’m announcing my weight to the public on a regular basis, but do most people want their weight broadcast vocally? Maybe, I guess.

New scales can now remember your weight from previous checks. Some can track up to ten different people. How often do ten different people use one scale on a regular basis? I’ve heard of big families but….

Displays are now often digital. They can be a few inches high to viewable by your neighbor glancing by the bathroom window. You might want to consider curtains if this is the case. Some also have remote displays. Now you don’t even have to bend over to see how much you weigh. You can mount the display at eye level or hold it in your hand.

Yes, there are even wise cracking scales. Wouldn’t you love to hear “Two-hundred and fifty-five point two pounds; You’re not big boned - you’re just fat.” or how about “Gasp gasp can’t breathe”. That’s not a scale I’d want to step on. Its one I’d want to throw out the window. Probably not a good way to start the day!

-James D. Brausch