Health Data: Numbers to Keep Your Eye On

On Health with Houston Methodist

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Ever heard this old saying? It's true. But too often we take a reactive approach to our health instead of a proactive one. What can we do to better monitor our overall well-being and stay ahead of chronic health issues? In this episode, we discuss the health metrics everyone should know and get tips for course correcting if one or more of those numbers is trending in a concerning direction.

Expert: Dr. Joshua Septimus, Primary Care Physician

Interviewer: Katie McCallum

Notable topics covered:

• The number most predictive of future health might surprise you
• Several additional metrics that are important to monitor
• More than numbers — why trends over time matter
• Why your primary care doctor should be your go-to health resource
• The most common chronic conditions you should aim to prevent
• Don't forget about cancer screenings, even if your numbers look good
• The "how to" of keeping tabs on your health, including check-up frequency
• Lifestyle habits that you can also track to help improve your health
• Why the relationship with your primary care doctor is like a marriage

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