Know your numbers. Keep your visits. Build your care team.
Staying healthy isn’t one appointment — it’s a habit. Learn the numbers that matter, keep up with regular check-ups, and connect with a coordinated team that keeps your care, medications, and coverage working together.
Know Your Numbers Talk with Dr. DeeSmall steps, done consistently, add up
Many serious conditions — high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol — have no early symptoms. The way to catch them is to measure, check in, and stay connected.
Know your numbers
Blood pressure, blood sugar, A1C, cholesterol, and weight tell the story of your health long before you feel anything. Know them, track them, and ask what they mean for you.
Get regular visits
An annual wellness visit, age-appropriate screenings, dental and eye exams, and a yearly medication review catch problems early — when they’re easier and less costly to treat.
Coordinate your care team
Your doctor, pharmacist, specialists, and benefits advisor should be on the same page. When they work together, you get safer care, fewer surprises, and lower costs.
The numbers every adult should know
Write these down after every visit and keep them with your medication list. If yours are outside these ranges, don’t panic — ask your provider what your personal target should be.
| Measure | General healthy range (adults) | How often to check |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Below 120/80 mmHg | Every visit; at home if you have high blood pressure |
| Fasting blood sugar | Below 100 mg/dL (100–125 may signal prediabetes) | At least every 3 years from age 35, or as advised |
| A1C | Below 5.7% (5.7–6.4% prediabetes; 6.5%+ diabetes) | Yearly if at risk; every 3–6 months with diabetes |
| Total cholesterol | Below 200 mg/dL | Every 4–6 years, more often if at risk |
| LDL (“bad”) cholesterol | Below 100 mg/dL | With your cholesterol panel |
| HDL (“good”) cholesterol | 40+ mg/dL for men, 50+ mg/dL for women | With your cholesterol panel |
| Triglycerides | Below 150 mg/dL | With your cholesterol panel |
| Body mass index (BMI) | 18.5–24.9 | Yearly |
| Waist size | Under 40 in. for men, under 35 in. for women | Yearly |
These are general adult reference ranges for education only. Targets differ with age, pregnancy, and health conditions — your clinician will set the right goals for you.
Your yearly health check-in list
Put these on your calendar the same month every year so nothing slips.
- Annual physical or wellness visit — review your numbers, history, and goals. Medicare covers an Annual Wellness Visit once every 12 months.
- Medication review with a pharmacist — check every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, and supplement for safety, interactions, and cost.
- Age-appropriate screenings — such as mammograms, cervical screening, and colorectal screening starting at age 45.
- Dental cleaning — usually every 6 months.
- Eye exam — every 1–2 years, yearly with diabetes.
- Vaccines — flu every fall, plus others recommended for your age and health.
Bring to every appointment
- A current list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements
- Your numbers log (blood pressure, sugar, weight)
- Your insurance and pharmacy cards
- Names of your other doctors and specialists
- Your top 3 questions, written down
- A family member or friend, if you’d like support
Healthy outcomes are a team effort
When everyone on your team shares information, you avoid duplicate tests, dangerous drug interactions, and surprise bills. You are the center of that team.
You & your family
Track your numbers, keep your visits, speak up, and share what’s changed.
Primary care provider
Your home base for check-ups, screenings, and referrals.
Pharmacist
Reviews your medications for safety and interactions, and finds lower-cost options.
Specialists
Cardiology, endocrinology, and other experts who manage specific conditions.
Benefits strategist
Makes sure your coverage fits your care, so cost never stands between you and treatment.
Community supports
Programs for transportation, food, prescription assistance, and caregiving.
Dr. Dee Pringle, PharmD
Clinical Consultant · Benefits Strategist · Patient Advocate
A Doctor of Pharmacy who works where medicine and coverage meet. Dr. Dee partners with patients, clinicians, insurers, and community groups so families get the right treatment — and can afford to keep it up.
About Dr. Dee Visit Dr. Dee Knows“Protecting health produces wealth.”
Knowledge is power when shared. Your Health Matters is part of the Dr. Dee Knows Health & Clinical Care pillar — free, practical education to help you stay well.
Ready to take charge of your health?
Have questions about your medications, your numbers, or making your coverage work for your care? Reach out.
Email info@drdeeknows.com See How We HelpThe information on this site is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with your own healthcare provider about your health. In an emergency, call 911.