Knowing your numbers is one of the ways to increase your overall health and well-being, as well as, prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other chronic conditions.
During your annual physical exam, record your numbers and talk to your doctor about what they mean.
Earn 1 hour of vacation for getting your annual physical exam and receiving test results for your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose. See the activity menu for more details.
Here are the numbers you should know and the optimal scores:
BLOOD PRESSURE: LESS THAN 120/80
Blood pressure is a measure of the amount of force it takes for your heart to pump blood through your body. High blood pressure has no symptoms and increases your risk of heart attack or stroke, and for developing kidney disease. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
CHOLESTEROL: LESS THAN 200 TOTAL
Sometimes the body make and stores extra fats and cholesterol. A "sudden" heart attack may not be sudden at all, but caused by years of living with high cholesterol. Since there are no obvious symptoms of high cholesterol, it is important to know your cholesterol numbers.
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI): LESS THAN 25
Your body mass index (BMI) is a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. A healthy BMI should be 25 or under. carrying extra weight can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and many other chronic diseases.
BLOOD GLUCOSE: 80 TO 120
Glucose is sugar in the blood that is the body's main source of energy. Diabetes, or high blood sugar, can cause problems with your heart, eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves, and other body parts. High or low blood glucose should be medically managed.
