This spring, it’s time to Know Your Numbers.

Knowing Your Numbers is a proactive approach to keeping track of your health indicators, also known as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar, which can indicate overall health, and when preventive medicine and care may be necessary. These metrics offer insight into how our systems are functioning and if our bodies are under strain, which can lead to illness or failure if left untreated.

Setting up an appointment to Know Your Numbers helps you slow or prevent chronic illness and system failures by catching warning signs early, ideally before they progress. The best time to care for your health is while you are still healthy, when there is time to take steps and experiment with the best strategies to improve your diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

With your Ohio Laborers’ Benefits, you can schedule an in-network doctor’s appointment to Know Your Numbers for just a $20 copay.

Here’s how an appointment to Know Your Number can provide insight into your overall health and function and help prevent chronic illness.

Blood Pressure:

Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke if left unchecked. High blood pressure indicates the need for lifestyle changes, including reducing stress, increasing physical activity, and reducing sodium intake.

Cholesterol:

Cholesterol levels can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which arteries narrow due to the buildup of plaque. Routine cholesterol screenings with your physician will show your lipid profile, which is separated into three categories: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), “Bad” cholesterol that contributes to plaque formation in the arteries, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “Good” cholesterol that helps remove LDL from the bloodstream. Too much “Bad” cholesterol can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or severe cardiovascular disease.

Blood Sugar:

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells. Understanding blood sugar levels is valuable for overall health, especially for those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) damages blood vessels and nerves, resulting in heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and nerve damage (neuropathy). Chronic low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) damages the nervous system, potentially leading to cognitive decline, dementia, and increased cardiovascular risks.

With all these metrics, it is important to speak with your doctor or nurse about where your numbers are and how you can take steps to improve them through positive lifestyle changes and medical intervention.