A Health Ministries Message from Edmonton North Seventh-day Adventist Church
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
— 3 John 1:2 (KJV)
Do you know your blood pressure? Your blood sugar? Your cholesterol level?
Most of us know our telephone number, our bank account balance, and perhaps even the mileage on our vehicles. We pay attention when the warning light comes on in our cars, and we take action to prevent costly repairs.
But how often do we give that same attention to our own health?
Many people can tell you when their vehicle needs servicing but cannot tell you when they last had their blood pressure or blood sugar checked.
At Edmonton North Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Health Ministries Department encourages every member to embrace a simple but powerful message:
Know Your Numbers. Know Your Risks. Take Action Early.
Understanding a few important health measurements can help us recognize potential problems, prevent complications, and make informed decisions about our well-being.
1. Blood Pressure: The Silent Warning Sign
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is often described as a *silent condition* because many people experience no noticeable symptoms.
Yet uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious complications.
Blood pressure is recorded using two numbers. The first, or systolic pressure, measures pressure when the heart beats. The second, or diastolic pressure, measures pressure when the heart relaxes.
For many adults, blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg is considered optimal. However, individual targets may vary depending on age, medical conditions, and treatment recommendations.
What can you do?
- Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
- Reduce excessive sodium intake.
- Stay physically active.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Follow prescribed treatment if you have hypertension.
Health Reminder: Feeling well does not always mean your blood pressure is normal.
2. Blood Sugar: Understanding Your Diabetes Risk
Diabetes can develop gradually, sometimes without obvious symptoms.
Many individuals live with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes without knowing it.
Two important measurements used to assess blood sugar are fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C.
A1C reflects average blood glucose levels over approximately three months.
In Canada, A1C results are generally interpreted as follows:
| A1C Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 6.0% | Generally below the prediabetes range |
| 6.0% – 6.4% | Prediabetes range |
| 6.5% or higher | Diabetes range (confirmation may be required) |
These ranges are used for screening and diagnosis in appropriate circumstances; they are not the same as individualized treatment targets.
Early identification of elevated blood sugar creates an opportunity to make lifestyle changes and reduce the risk of complications.
What can you do?
Choose balanced meals, reduce sugary drinks, stay active, and discuss appropriate diabetes screening with your healthcare provider.
Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference.
3. Cholesterol: Protecting Your Heart
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. Our bodies need cholesterol for important functions, but certain cholesterol levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Two commonly discussed types are:
- LDL cholesterol: Often called “bad” cholesterol because elevated levels contribute to plaque buildup in blood vessels.
- HDL cholesterol: Often called “good” cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol away from tissues.
Triglycerides are another important type of blood fat.
Unlike blood pressure, cholesterol cannot be measured simply by how we feel. A blood test is required.
Your healthcare provider can help interpret your cholesterol results alongside other risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, age, and family history.
4. Waist Circumference and Weight: Looking Beyond the Scale
Body weight alone does not tell the complete story of our health.
Waist circumference can provide additional information about abdominal fat, which is associated with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Body mass index (BMI) is another screening measurement, but it has limitations and does not distinguish between muscle and body fat.
Rather than focusing only on appearance or the number on the scale, we should consider our overall health, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and medical risk factors.
The goal is not perfection. The goal is prevention, progress, and healthier living.
5. Why Knowing Your Numbers Matters
Many chronic diseases develop silently over time.
High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and abnormal blood sugar may be present for years before noticeable symptoms occur.
Knowing your numbers can help you:
- Identify risks early: Recognize changes before complications develop.
- Prevent serious illness: Take action to reduce the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications.
- Track progress: See whether healthy lifestyle changes or treatments are working.
- Make informed decisions: Have meaningful conversations with your healthcare provider.
- Maintain independence: Support healthier aging and a better quality of life.
We often say that prevention is better than cure. Knowing our numbers is one practical way to put prevention into action.
6. Our Bodies Are a Gift from God
As Seventh-day Adventists, we recognize that caring for our health is an important part of Christian stewardship.
The Bible reminds us:
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…?
— 1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV)
Honoring God with our bodies involves more than avoiding harmful habits. It includes making informed choices about nutrition, physical activity, rest, emotional well-being, and preventive healthcare.
Our faith encourages us to be responsible stewards of the life and health entrusted to us.
This does not mean that illness is a result of weak faith or personal failure. Health conditions can affect anyone, even those who practice healthy habits.
Rather, it means doing what we reasonably can to protect our health, support one another, and seek appropriate care when needed.
7. Don’t Wait for the Warning Light
Imagine driving your vehicle and noticing the engine warning light. Would you ignore it for months, hoping the problem would disappear?
Most of us would arrange to have the vehicle checked.
Yet when it comes to our bodies, we sometimes ignore fatigue, unusual thirst, headaches, changes in weight, or other symptoms.
More importantly, many chronic conditions produce no early warning signs at all.
That is why routine health screening is so valuable.
We should not wait until we feel sick to begin caring for our health.
A Health Challenge for Our Church Family
The Health Ministries Department invites every member of Edmonton North Seventh-day Adventist Church to take five practical steps:
- CHECK: Find out your most recent blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol results. Ask your healthcare provider which tests are appropriate for you.
- KNOW: Understand what your results mean and whether you have any health risks that require attention.
- MOVE: Aim for regular physical activity suited to your abilities. Walking is an excellent place to begin.
- NOURISH: Choose more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and other wholesome foods.
- SHARE: Encourage a family member, friend, or fellow church member to become more aware of their health.
Let us also continue supporting one another through our church’s health education initiatives and opportunities for fellowship.
Your Health Is Worth Knowing
We cannot always control every illness or health challenge, but we can take meaningful steps toward prevention and early detection.
Knowing your numbers is not about fear. It is about awareness, responsibility, and empowerment.
It allows us to move from uncertainty to understanding and from delayed action to proactive care.
As a church family, let us continue encouraging one another to make healthy choices, seek appropriate medical guidance, and recognize that caring for our bodies is one way of honoring our Creator.
Your health matters. Your numbers matter. And taking action today can make a difference for tomorrow.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
— 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general health education and does not replace individualized medical advice. Speak with your healthcare provider about appropriate screening and personal health targets.