Do You Know Your Numbers?

Ignorance is bliss, except when we’re talking about our annual physical stats.

We’ve all heard our doctors read numbers from our charts. You know the numbers are important, but do you know what the numbers mean and what they tell you and your doctor about your health?

BLOOD PRESSURE

• Why it’s important: High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke and kidney disease
• Target Range:
• Below 140/90 for anyone from 18-59 years of age or anyone over 60 years old who also has diabetes or kidney problems
• Below 150/90 for anyone over 60 years old who doesn’t have diabetes or kidney problems
  
• Ways to stay on track: limit sodium, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight or lose extra weight

CHOLESTEROL

• Why it’s important: A healthy cholesterol level helps reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke
• Target Range: total cholesterol <200 mg/dL
• Ways to stay on track: exercise and avoid tobacco use (smoking)

WAIST SIZE

• Why it’s important: Waist size is one way to measure abdominal fat. By carrying less fat around your midsection, you can decrease your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.
• Target Range: 40” or less for men and 35” or less for women
• Ways to stay on track: exercise and a healthy diet

BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)

• Why it’s important: BMI is a calculation based on your height and weight that can help determine if you’re at a healthy weight, underweight or overweight. As your BMI gets higher, you have a greater risk of some diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.
• Target Range: 19-24.9, for most adults
• Ways to stay on track: exercise and a healthy diet
  

BLOOD SUGAR

• Why it’s important: By checking your blood sugar (also called blood glucose) and taking action to stay in the target range most of the time, you can help to keep your blood sugar from getting too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). Hyper/Hypoglycemia can indicate other health problems that require your attention.
• Target Range: 60 (low) – 126 (high) for fasting glucose test (mg/dL)
• Ways to stay on track: a healthy diet, limit carbohydrates and exercise

When you know your health numbers, you can make lifestyle choices to help you achieve scores within healthy ranges for each category.

Don’t know your numbers?

Schedule your annual wellness exam with your doctor – we’ll even pay you to do it!

Learn more about Olympic Steel’s Wellness Incentive Program and Healthy Day Off at SteelPerks.com and schedule your annual physical today!

*in-person appointments may not be available until stay-in-place orders are lifted. You’ll need to contact your doctor’s office to be sure.