Health
FREE Health Screenings
Saturday, June 9 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS)
400 West Orange Avenue, Tallahassee
To learn more about your health numbers, please plan to participate in free screenings provided by the Neighborhood Medical Center on Saturday, June 9, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS), 400 West Orange Avenue in Tallahassee as a part of the 21st Annual Florida African Dance Festival activities.
Know Your Health Numbers
Individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and, of course, high blood sugar. They are also likely to be overweight/obese. All of these factors increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other serious health complications.
If you have prediabetes or diabetes, it is crucial to carefully monitor blood cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight as a first step in controlling the disease and improving the quality of your health.
Maybe you are not experiencing any symptoms. Why is monitoring these numbers still important? Keep in mind that there are no symptoms for people with prediabetes, and diabetes may be severe before there are any warning signs. Likewise, people have no way of knowing they have high cholesterol or high blood pressure without being tested.
"Next time you visit your health care provider, be sure to ask for your critical health numbers to be screened and develop a plan, which may include diet, exercise and medication, to manage them," said Daniel W. Jones, M.D. and past president of the American Heart Association.
How Critical Numbers are Monitored
By drawing blood, your health care provider can conduct a blood lipid profile to check your blood cholesterol and glucose tests to check your blood sugar. Your blood pressure and weight are even easier to check with a blood pressure monitor and scales respectively.
Between doctor visits, you can monitor and track your blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight. Easy-to-use home glucose monitors, blood pressure monitors, and bathroom scales are readily available at retailers and pharmacies. By keeping track of your numbers on your own, you will be able to better manage your health.
Target Numbers For People With Diabetes
It is recommended that individuals keep these critical health numbers within the following ranges:
| Critical Health Marker | Recommended Range | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Blood sugar The amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood |
Prediabetes HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) less than 6% Diabetes HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) less than 7% |
Blood sugar is also measured by the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in your blood. An HbA1c test gives you a picture of your average blood sugar control for the past 2 to 3 months and provides you with a better idea of how well your diabetes treatment plan is working. |
| Blood pressure The force of blood against the arteries when the heart beats and rests |
Less than 130/80 mm Hg | Blood pressure is typically measured by an automatic cuff. Systolic pressure (top number) is the peak pressure in the arteries, and diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the lowest pressure. Get more information about high blood pressure. |
| Blood cholesterolA waxy substance produced by the liver | Get your cholesterol checked and talk to your doctor about your numbers and how they impact your overall risk. | Because cholesterol is unable to dissolve in the blood, it has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol, is known as "bad" cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein (or HDL) cholesterol, is known as "good" cholesterol. Get more information about cholesterol. |
| Body weight | A body mass index (BMI) of 18.6-24.9 Waistline smaller than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men |
A person's ideal body weight varies by gender, age, height, and frame. Your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference provide good indicators of whether you are at a healthy weight. Use our BMI calculator tool. Get more information about weight management. |