Health Topics
Hypertension
High blood pressure, or Hypertension, is the “silent killer” because it often has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. That is why it is important to check your blood pressure regularly.
About 75 million American adults (29%) have high blood pressure—that is 1 in every 3 American adults. It greatly increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading causes of death in the United States.
Guidelines:
Blood pressure should be below 120/80
Diabetes Management
In people with Type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin well and is unable to keep blood sugar at normal levels. Most people with diabetes—9 in 10—have Type 2 diabetes. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults (though increasingly in children, teens, and young adults). You may not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get your blood sugar tested if you’re at risk. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight if you’re overweight, healthy eating, and getting regular physical activity.
Guidelines:
A1c less than 5.7
Fasting Glucose less than 100
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs. But, when you have too much in your blood, it can build up in the walls of your arteries. This can lead to heart disease or stroke–leading causes of death in the United States.
Guideline: Total Cholesterol less than 200