Know Your Numbers, Own Your Health

October is Health Literacy Month and a great reminder that your health starts with asking questions and knowing your numbers. Your blood pressure, weight, height and BMI all tell an important story about your overall well-being. Here’s how you can understand each of them — and how to start the conversation about them at your next doctor’s appointment.

Know Your Numbers: Take Charge of Your Health

Your health is one of the most important assets you can invest in, and it all starts with understanding what’s going on inside your body. Health literacy means being able to find, understand and use health information to make good decisions for yourself and your family. One of the easiest ways to build health literacy is to “know your numbers.” These simple measurements can reveal clues about your current health and help you spot risks early.

The Key Numbers to Know

• Blood Pressure: A healthy reading is around 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, yet it’s one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
• Weight and Height: These measurements help your doctor track changes over time and calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Body Mass Index (BMI): BMI estimates body fat based on height and weight. A “healthy” range is 18.5–24.9, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle — muscle, body type and lifestyle are also factors.

Knowing your numbers gives you a snapshot of your health — and helps your care team personalize advice, treatments and prevention strategies for you.

What to Ask at Your Next Appointment

Don’t be afraid to speak up! Your doctors are partners in your care, and they want you to feel informed and confident about your health. Try asking questions like:

• “What do my numbers mean for me?”
• “Are any of them trending up or down since my last visit?”
• “What’s a realistic goal for my health over the next few months?”
• “What changes can I make — at home or with my diet or activity — to improve my results?”
• “How often should I check my blood pressure, weight or BMI?”

These conversations not only help you stay on top of your health but also strengthen your relationship with your doctor.

Small Steps, Big Difference

You don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle overnight. Start small — add a short walk after dinner, choose water over soda or schedule that checkup you’ve been meaning to make. Understanding your health numbers empowers you to take control and make changes that last.

This Health Literacy Month, commit to one goal: know your numbers and ask questions. Because the more you know, the healthier you can be.

To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit AtlantiCare.org.¹

Resources

1. AtlantiCare.org