FAQ

Q: Who Can Review My Screening Results?

A: Your results are covered by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). The only people that are allowed to see the results are the screening nurses and your insurance board.

Q: What Is Normal Blood Sugar?

A: Normal ranges for blood sugar are 60 – 120.

Q: What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

A: You may have metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following:

• A waistline of 40 inches or more for men, and 35 inches or more for women (measured across the abdomen).
• A blood pressure of 130/85mm Hg or higher or currently taking high blood pressure medication.
• A triglyceride level above 150 mg/dl.
• A fasting blood glucose (sugar) level greater than 100 mg/dl.
• A high density lipoprotein level (HDL) less than 40 mg/dl (men) or under 50 mg/dl (women).

Q: What Is Cholesterol?

A: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance made in the liver and found in certain foods. The desirable cholesterol level is below 200.

Q: What Are Triglycerides?

A: Triglycerides are fat in your bloodstream that contribute to the build-up of fatty deposits within your arteries. Ideally, triglycerides should be below 150.

Q: What Is HDL?

A: That is your good cholesterol; ideally, HDL levels should be 50 or higher for women and 40 or higher for men. HDL prevents harmful build-up of cholesterol by removing it from your body. Think higher is better!

Q: What Is LDL?

A: That is your bad cholesterol and is a major cause of heart disease. It causes the build-up of fatty deposits within your arteries. Your ideal level is 100 or less.

Q: What Does BMI Mean?

A: BMI stands for Body Mass Index; it is a measure of your weight in relation to your height. It is an indication of your size and should be 25 or less. Extra weight can lead to heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and many other chronic diseases. To calculate your BMI, click here.

Q: What Can I Do To Lose Weight and Take Control of My Life?

A: Start walking (even 5 minutes a day is better than none); and eat a healthy diet with less saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of calories with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils. Include a variety of whole grains, fruits and vegetables each day.

Q: Does Smoking Affect My Health?

A: Yes, by stopping smoking you can reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke, You also reduce your chances of getting lung cancer, emphysema, and other lung diseases. Call the Alabama Tobacco Quitline for help in stamping out smoking today at 1-800-Quit-Now. (1-800-784-8669).