As families prepare to settle into busy fall routines, many adults put off routine healthcare visits. But one of the simplest steps people can take to improve their health is knowing your numbers. Many common conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease, can develop silently without noticeable symptoms. Knowing your numbers is one of the most powerful—and actionable—foundations of preventive care and chronic condition management.
“It is one of the simplest ways to take control of your health,” said Thomas Wells, MD, an internal medicine physician with Piedmont Physicians Hawthorne Medical at Oconee Health Campus. “When you understand where you stand, you and your healthcare provider can work together to reduce your risk for serious health problems down the road.”
Numbers you should know:
- Blood pressure: Blood pressure is a key indicator of heart health and stroke risk. Dr. Wells said a reading of 120/80 or below is considered normal, a reading of 120 to 130 over 80 to 90 is considered prehypertensive, and a reading above 130/90 is considered stage 1 hypertension. Because individual needs vary, talk with your primary care provider to understand where your blood pressure should be.
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol levels, including LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol, help assess your risk for heart disease. Talk with your health care provider about the targets that are appropriate for you based on your individual medical history.
- Blood sugar: Blood sugar measurements, including glucose and A1C, are essential for detecting and managing diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says blood sugar should generally be 80 to 130 mg/dL before meals and below 180 mg/dL two hours after meals.
- Body mass index or weight trends: Body mass index, also known as BMI, and changes in weight can signal risk for multiple chronic conditions. The CDC considers a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 healthy, 25 to 29.9 overweight, and 30 or higher obese. The National Institutes of Health offers an online BMI calculator.
Health targets can vary based on your individual risk factors and medical history, so regular conversations with your primary care provider can help you set goals that are right for you.
Why knowing your numbers matters
Knowing your numbers enables early detection and preventive action. It supports chronic care, accountability, measurable progress, risk reduction, and stronger provider partnerships. These numbers can reveal health concerns before symptoms appear.
Early awareness can lead to lifestyle changes or medication when they may be most effective. Dr. Wells suggests the following heart-healthy lifestyle changes:
- Avoid tobacco products. Do not smoke. Eat a healthy diet with lean proteins, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Stay physically active.
- Manage stress.
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep every day.
- Avoid tobacco products and do not smoke.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes lean proteins, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Stay physically active as recommended by your health care provider.
- Take steps to manage stress.
- Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep each day.
Regular checkups provide the information you need to manage blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and help prevent diabetes. A primary care provider can help you understand your numbers and track changes over time.
To find a Piedmont Athens primary care provider near you, visit piedmont.org.
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