Before Flu Season and Holiday Stress, Know Your Numbers
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 Adeola Okeowo, M.D., Piedmont Physicians at Premier Medical in Newnan. “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 – Key indicator of heart health and stroke risk. Aim for blood pressure below 140/90, with systolic (top number) under 140 and diastolic (bottom number) under 90.
- Cholesterol (LDL, HDL, Total) – Helps assess risk for heart disease. Aim for an LDL (bad) cholesterol of less than 130.
- Blood sugar (Glucose/A1C) – Essential for detecting and managing diabetes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says blood sugar should be 80 to 130 mg/dL before meals. It should stay below 180 mg/dL two hours after meals. - Body mass index (BMI) or weight trends – Signals risk for multiple chronic conditions. Calculate your BMI using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Calculator. The CDC considers a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 healthy, 25 to 29.9 overweight, and 30 or higher obese.
Targets may vary depending on your individual risk and health history, so your primary care provider can help set goals specific to you.
Why knowing your numbers matter
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 allows lifestyle changes or medication when most effective.
Dr. Okeowo 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.
Regular checkups provide the information needed 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 primary care provider near you, visit piedmont.org.
Grief Support Group Info:
Piedmont Newnan’s hospital chaplain, Jonathan Pitts, is leading a Grief Recovery Group that is open to the community and will start on September 28. The grief recovery group offers a safe, evidence-based environment for grievers to take effective and lasting action, no matter the type of loss experienced. Jonathan is a Grief Recovery Specialist who is trained and certified by the Grief Recovery Institute. The group will meet every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. for eight weeks in Conference Room 1, on the Hospital Main Level, at Piedmont Newnan. This will be a continuous offering with the next group starting in March. More info and to register: https://classes.
