What Is Beyond the Numbers?
Beyond the Numbers is a new wellness program offered by LBNL Health Services to guide employees in better understanding and managing key health risks, including:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High blood cholesterol
- The risks of smoking
Health Services nurses are board licensed with certifications in diabetes coaching. Overall, the Health Services staff have a combined 100 years of nursing and medical experience, and are excited to be bringing this wellness offering to LBNL employees.
How Does It Work?
Your Beyond the Numbers journey begins with a 30-minute visit to the Health Services clinic, where staff will check your blood pressure and, from a few drops of blood obtained by finger prick, determine whether you have diabetes or high cholesterol. Health Services staff will connect you with resources that will help you take action. Smoking cessation services are also available for those motivated to quit.
Program Kick-off – TBD
The Beyond the Numbers program will kick off sometime in February 2026. Health Services staff will be on hand to answer questions about the program and sign you up for an appointment. There will be snacks and giveaways – including a blood pressure machine, yoga mat, resistance bands, and Fitbits.
How Do I Sign Up?
Call Health Services at 486-6266 to arrange an appointment.
Resources for Understanding and Managing Diabetes, Hypertension, High Blood Cholesterol, and Smoking Risk
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body can no longer produce or efficiently utilize insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, vision loss, and kidney damage.
- Key Numbers: Your blood sugar levels (fasting and Hemoglobin A1C) are crucial. Hemoglobin A1C is a measure of the average blood sugar level over the prior 2-3 months.
- Take Action: A balanced diet, regular physical activity, and medication (if prescribed) are essential for management.
Links to resources about diabetes:
Managing Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, means the pressure in one’s heart and arteries is too excessive. It often has no symptoms, which is why it’s called the “silent killer.” The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to have it measured. Uncontrolled high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Key Numbers: Your blood pressure is measured as two numbers (e.g., 120/80 mm Hg). Know what your target range is.
- Take Action: Limiting salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and medication (if prescribed) can help keep your numbers in check.
Links to resources about hypertension:
Controlling High Blood Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. While your body needs some cholesterol, too much of the “bad” type (LDL) can build up in your arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
- Key Numbers: Get a lipid panel test to check your total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”), HDL (“good”), and triglycerides.
- Take Action: Choose to eat healthy fats, eat more fiber, and talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes and potential medication.
Links to resources about High Blood Cholesterol:
Understanding The Risks of Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. It damages nearly every organ in the body and is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, various cancers, and respiratory illnesses
- Take Action: Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health. There are many resources available to help you succeed.
Links to resources about smoking cessation:
