Know Your Numbers - The Power of Prevention

When it comes to your health, knowledge is power—and few things are more empowering than understanding your own numbers. Prevention starts with awareness. By knowing and tracking your key health indicators, you can take meaningful steps to prevent illness, detect issues early, and live a longer, healthier life.

1. Why “Knowing Your Numbers” Matters

Many chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke develop silently over time. People often feel fine—until a major health event occurs. Regularly checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body measurements can help detect early warning signs long before symptoms appear.

When you know your baseline, you can work with your healthcare provider to make informed choices about your lifestyle and care. Even small improvements—like walking more, improving your diet, or sleeping better—can make a big difference.

2. Four Numbers to Track

Blood Pressure

• Goal: Below 120/80 mmHg is considered normal.

• High blood pressure can damage your heart, kidneys, and brain over time.

• Home monitors make it easy to track your numbers regularly.

Cholesterol

• Goal: Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL.

• High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease.

• Most adults should get tested every 4–6 years, or more often if at risk.

  
  

Blood Sugar

• Goal: Fasting blood sugar between 70–99 mg/dL.

• Elevated blood sugar can indicate prediabetes or diabetes.

• Annual checks can help catch problems early.

BMI and Waist Circumference

• Goal: BMI between 18.5–24.9; waist under 40 in (men) or 35 in (women).

• Excess weight around the waist increases risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more.

• Even modest weight loss can lead to measurable improvements in health.

3. How to Get Started

• Schedule a wellness check-up to get a full picture of your numbers.

• Use a home monitor (especially for blood pressure) and record your readings several times a week.

• Write down your numbers or use a digital tracker to watch trends over time.

• Partner with a friend or family member for accountability and encouragement.

  
  

4. Take Action This Week

• Measure or get at least one of your numbers checked.

• Write it down using the Know Your Numbers Tracker below.

• Set one small, achievable goal based on your results (e.g., walking daily, lowering salt intake, scheduling labs).

Remember: Prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. It begins with one step—knowing your numbers.