Central Peninsula Hospital | Pulse | Spring 2021

Knowing key numbers—and working to keep them in a healthy range—can add up to better health. Here’s a look at target numbers for most adults. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. BLOOD SUGAR Target: A fasting blood sugar of less than 100 mg/dL . BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) Target: 18.5 to 24.9 . BLOOD PRESSURE Target: Systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg . Why it matters: High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. What it is: The force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls. Why it matters: The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems and certain cancers. What it is: A measure of body fat based on your height and weight. Why it matters: Diabetes occurs—or is poorly managed— when blood sugar levels are too high. What it is: The amount of glucose in your blood. CHOLESTEROL Target: Talk with your doctor about what’s optimal for you. It depends on your overall risk factors. Why it matters: Unhealthy cholesterol levels raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. What it is: A waxy substance produced in the liver and released into the blood. Sources: American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force B ET T E R HE A LTH Are you looking for a medical home? We can help! It’s important to establish a “medical home”with a primary care provider (PCP) to provide you with continuity of care over your lifetime, allowing the PCP to provide more effective treatment for better outcomes. Multiple physicians and midlevel providers work at our clinics. They are also preferred providers for many insurance plans and take Medicare/ Medicaid, Denali Kid Care and more. If you’re looking for a PCP for yourself or a loved one, go to cpgh.org/provider-directory for a list of providers in the Central Peninsula service area. Some providers’ practices may be full and not open to new patients, so con- tact the clinic directly to discuss your particular needs. Central Peninsula Internal Medicine 247 N. Fireweed, Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone: 907-262-8597 Central Peninsula Family Practice & Pediatrics 245 Binkley St., Suite 101 Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone: 907-714-4111 Central Peninsula Family Practice 506 Lake St., Kenai, AK 99611 Phone: 907-714-4111 PULSE Spring 2021 3