We often know everyday numbers such as our phone and bank PINs etc, but what about the numbers that tell us something important about our health and wellbeing?
“Know Your Numbers” is about understanding key health measures, particularly blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight. These numbers can help identify potential health risks before they become more serious.
Start with your blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, does not usually cause symptoms. This means you may have it without realising. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
A blood pressure reading has two numbers:
- Systolic pressure, the top number, measures the pressure when your heart pumps blood.
- Diastolic pressure, the bottom number, measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
You can have your blood pressure checked at a GP surgery, at many local pharmacies or by using a suitable home monitor, or in some of our Cemex offices/sites. The NHS advises people aged 40 or over who have not had their blood pressure checked for more than five years to arrange a check. Many pharmacies offer free checks for people aged 40 and over.
Here are some useful guides to download, for learning more about High Blood Pressure and checking your own blood pressure:
- Guidelines for Blood Pressure Testing
- Blood pressure chart for adults
- How to check your own Blood Pressure
Online Resources:
Look at the bigger picture
If you are aged 40 to 74 and do not have certain pre-existing health conditions, you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check. This usually includes checks of your height, weight, waist, blood pressure and cholesterol, with a possible blood sugar test.
Check your eligibility for an NHS Health Check. [nhs.uk]
Blood pressure is only one part of understanding your health. Other useful numbers include:
Cholesterol: too much cholesterol can contribute to blocked arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Here are some useful guides to download, for learning more about Cholesterol:
- Healthy Eating Guide – lowering cholesterol
- Blood Fats Explained
- Understanding high cholesterol – British Heart Foundation
On line Resources:
- https://www.heartuk.org.uk/national-cholesterol-month/ncm25
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/
- https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-cholesterol
- https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/what-is-cholesterol
Weight, BMI and waist measurement: these can provide a general indication of whether your weight may be affecting your health, although BMI is only a guide and does not suit everyone. These will be checked during your free NHS Health Check.
You can find a poster with the QR to all our downloadable guides on the UK News download page HERE. Please print and display on your workplace noticeboards and wellbeing boards.
Know Your Numbers: Three simple checks could make a big difference
- Get checked
Ask your local pharmacy or GP practice about a blood pressure check. If you use a monitor at home, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and NHS guidance carefully. - Record your results
Keep a note of your readings so that you can discuss them with a healthcare professional if required. Avoid comparing your numbers with other people, as individual circumstances and suitable targets can vary. - Make one positive change
Small, realistic changes can support your heart and overall health. You could:
- reduce the amount of salt in your diet;
- be more physically active;
- eat a balanced diet;
- maintain a healthy weight;
- stop smoking; or
- reduce your alcohol intake.
Taking a few minutes to understand your numbers could be an important first step towards protecting your long-term health. Get checked, know what your results mean and ask for support when you need it.