Healthy Boiler workshop to target numbers to know, why they are important

The “Know Your Numbers” workshop on June 10 supports the physical health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program. (Image provided)

As part of Purdue’s Healthy Boiler Program, the “Know Your Numbers” workshop will be presented virtually from noon to 1 p.m. June 10 by the health coaches and dietitian at the Center for Healthy Living (CHL). The workshop supports the physical health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program.

The American Heart Association states that about 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of one death every 38 seconds. The prevalence of cardiovascular-related illnesses, deaths and risk factors are outlined in the American Heart Association’s “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2018 At-a-Glance” document.

Among those risk factors, high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) are two culprits that together can increase an individual’s risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack and more. Both high blood pressure and high cholesterol, in most cases, do not cause any symptoms, which makes the duo even more dangerous for your heart and arteries.

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” said Cheryl Laszynski, registered nurse health coach at CHL. “Knowing your risk is critical to managing and/or preventing disease, and being able to identify your risks starts with knowing your numbers.”

The workshop will help participants understand the numbers associated with blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and body mass. Health coaches will show participants how to interpret their Healthy Boiler physical results and how those results can positively affect their numbers.

“Most people have at least heard about the risks associated with high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” Laszynski said. “However, not as many seem to realize how body mass and blood glucose (sugar) are related to an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes. As an individual’s body mass index (BMI) increases, insulin resistance also increases, which then leads to increased blood glucose levels. All of these things tie together to create one big risk-factors storm, and we want to help individuals realize what they can do to either manage or prevent their risks of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and so on. Knowing their numbers is the first step.”

Those interested in attending the virtual workshop should register by June 9 via the Healthy Boiler Portal (registration link can be found under the “Engage” tab, “Wellness Events” on the portal’s homepage).  

Healthy Boiler workshops are free to benefits-eligible faculty and staff, as well as dependents covered on a Purdue health plan.

Questions about the workshop can be directed to CHL at 765-494-0111.