Brother2Brother screening fact sheet
We encourage you to use this information to help you better understand the results from your screening tests. Feel free to call us at 312-808-1909 with any questions or for more information.
BMI: Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of many factors related to developing diseases like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. BMI is calculated using a person’s height and weight. The table below indicates what is normal and what is not.
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Blood Pressure: According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a blood pressure reading below 120/80 is considered normal. In general, lower is better. However, very low blood pressures can sometimes be a cause for concern and should be checked out by a doctor.
Doctors classify blood pressures under 140/90 as either “normal” or “prehypertension”
- “Normal” blood pressures are lower than 120/80.
- “Prehypertension” is blood pressure between 120 and 139 for the top number, or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number.
Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in Adults*
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*For adults 18 and older who:
- Are not on medicine for high blood pressure!
- Are not having a short-term serious illness!
- Do not have other conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease!
Blood Test:
- Glucose – a test for diabetes – if your result is above 125 this may mean you have Diabetes. See your doctor!
- BUN and Crea – These are kidney tests if the BUN is above 20 and/or the Crea is above 1.5 this may mean kidney disease. See your doctor! (We are cooperating with the American Kidney Fund to provide you more detailed information on the results of this aspect of your screening. You can expect to get a letter from them in the near future.)
- PSA – this test is used to determine your level of risk for prostate cancer and other problems related to the prostate. If you are less than 60 years old and your PSA is greater than 2.5, then you need to see a urologist. If you are 60 years of age or more and your PSA is over 4.0, then you need to see a urologist. In addition during the screening a rectal exam to check the prostate was not done. You should see your doctor for a rectal exam of the prostate no matter what your PSA level.
- CHOL/TOTAL – This is a cholesterol test and it should be under 200
- TRIGLYCERIDES – This is the amount of fat circulating in your blood and should be under 160
- HDL – This is the good cholesterol and helps your heart it should be above 50. Exercise helps to bring this one up.
- LDL – This is the bad cholesterol and is a warning sign for heart attacks, strokes and impotence. This should be below 130 and ideally under 100. Fried food and grease from animal fat cause this one to go up.
- CHL/HDL RATIO – This is the good cholesterol and total cholesterol and the lower this one is the better. It should be under 5.0.
We are enclosing material about health services that are available through the Access Community Health Network. If you don’t have a doctor or clinic, you should take advantage of the services they offer. You should also feel free to call us at 312-808-1909 with any questions.
Remember – You have the power to change any of the bad results you may have. See you doctor and get your screening tests for Colon and Prostate Cancer, High Blood Pressure and Diabetes. Eat 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day and exercise 45 minutes at least 5 days a week, drink plenty of water, rest, and spend some quiet time with yourself and whatever higher power you believe in.
We CAN. We MUST. We WILL.