Stop Worrying, Start Acting: Empower Yourself By Knowing These Health Numbers
In this article
I'm young, why should I monitor my blood pressure and blood sugar?
Blood pressure and blood sugar are two of the most important indicators of long-term health. When either is consistently high, it can affect organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels for years without you realizing it.
"That reminds me of a 38-year-old patient who was seen by an eye doctor and was sent to the urgent care immediately," recalls Olu Jegede, MD, Chief Health Equity & Community Impact Officer with Cone Health.
"What the eye doctor saw was signs of a longstanding uncontrolled high blood pressure. This patient hadn't been to the doctor for many, many years...but fortunately she was diagnosed with high blood pressure and I started her on medication."
If organ damage goes untreated, it can lead to serious conditions later such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Vision loss
- Nerve damage
- Kidney failure
The good news is that regular screening and early action can prevent many of these outcomes and help people live longer, healthier lives.
Is my blood pressure high?
Most people with high blood pressure don’t feel any symptoms at all, which is why it’s often called “the silent killer.”
Some may eventually experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
These symptoms often appear after damage has already occurred. Regular blood pressure checks are the only reliable way to know your numbers before complications develop.
How often should I check my blood pressure?
Checking your blood pressure takes about two minutes and should be done at least once a year. If high blood pressure runs in your family, checking more often is recommended.
You can get your blood pressure measured at a primary care appointment, at home with a personal monitor, or for free at a Cone Health Community Pharmacy.
What causes high blood pressure?
If your blood pressure reading is consistently around 130/80 or higher, it’s time to contact your care provider and schedule a follow‑up. Knowing your numbers early allows you and your care team to take steps that may prevent serious health problems down the road.
In most cases, high blood pressure doesn’t have a single identifiable cause. Some factors that play a role include:
- Genetics and family history
- Chronic stress
- Underlying medical conditions
- High-sodium diet
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
Because some causes are outside your control, routine screening is essential.
What do I need to know about blood sugar?
Blood sugar fuels your body, but levels that are too high or too low can cause health issues. High blood sugar may lead to symptoms like:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Unexplained weight changes
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
If something feels “off,” getting your blood sugar checked can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Is diabetes reversible?
Many people don’t realize they have prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetes. In fact, about one in three adults in the U.S. has prediabetes—and most don’t know it.
The encouraging news is that prediabetes can often be reversed with lifestyle changes such as:
- Healthier eating
- Increased physical activity
- Stress management
What happens if I don't treat high blood sugar?
Unchecked high blood sugar can progress to diabetes and lead to serious complications like:
- Kidney failure
- Vision loss
- Slow-healing wounds
- Amputations
Early detection allows for intervention before these long-term consequences develop.
Where can I get screened for free?
Cone Health offers Building a Better You community wellness events that provide free health screenings, including:
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
These events are family-friendly, require no insurance or appointment, and are designed to remove common barriers such as cost, transportation, and time. In addition to screenings, attendees can connect with teams that offer guidance on risk factors and help link them to resources like:
- Food assistance
- Housing support
- Transportation options
- Mental health services
- Primary care providers
No one leaves without next steps. On-site clinical teams provide immediate guidance, help schedule follow-up appointments, and connect individuals with community and medical resources. The goal is to ensure no one has to navigate the healthcare system alone.
How can I live longer and healthier?
Small steps make a big difference. Aim for:
- 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week
- More fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Cessation from smoking
- Limited alcohol
- Low stress through activities like walking or mindfulness
- Regular, quality time with loved ones
These habits are achievable and powerful tools for long-term wellness.
Watch the full WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Olu Jegede, MD, Chief Health Equity & Community Impact Officer with Cone Health below.
