Numbers count. Body measurements matter. The numbers that indicate if your cholesterol is high or tell you what you weigh figure into your chances for developing illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes.

Numbers Needed for Wellness Assessment

To complete the wellness assessment you will need to know your height and weight. If you can also provide the following test results, your assessment feedback will be more thorough and beneficial to you.

• blood pressure
• fasting cholesterol – total, HDL, and LDL
• fasting blood glucose
• BMI (Body Mass Index)
• weight (required for assessment)

Your Numbers and Preventive Care

Regularly scheduled medical checkups and health screenings are considered preventive care and therefore their cost, in general, is covered by your health care plan. Ask your physician or medical provider what tests are appropriate for you. As part of routine recommended care, all adults should have their height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) recorded every year.

Additional tests, such as blood cholesterol or blood glucose, can be combined with a doctor's visit. Download the “Know Your Numbers” form (pdf) and use the form to record your biometric information.

Location of Walk-in Screenings

Depending upon the location of your work place, there are various outlets you or your family members can visit to obtain your test results. No appointment is necessary.

• Duluth QuickCare Clinic at Kirby (No charge for UPlan members)
• Metro area and greater Minnesota Minute Clinic

Walk-in Screenings for Twin Cities UPlan Members

From May through December, faculty and staff (and their spouses/partners) who are members of the UPlan are invited to attend a once-a-month screening administered by Boynton Health Service. The screening is held on the second Wednesday of the month from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m.

All tests are performed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each test requires 5 to 15 minutes. To undergo the fasting blood tests, you are required to fast eight hours beforehand; you can drink only water because coffee, tea, or other beverages can interfere with your test results.