Every September, the UK marks Know Your Numbers! Week (8–14 September 2025), a national campaign led by Blood Pressure UK to raise awareness about the silent dangers of high blood pressure.

Just weeks later, National Cholesterol Month (October 2025), spearheaded by HEART UK, continues the momentum by encouraging people to check and manage their cholesterol levels. These initiatives highlight a crucial message: knowing your health numbers—blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and BMI—can save lives.

The Numbers That Matter

Blood Pressure: Often called the "silent killer," high blood pressure affects around 30% of UK adults—approximately 16 million people—with up to 5 million undiagnosed. Left unchecked, it significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.

Blood Glucose: Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, with 7.8% of adults in England estimated to have the condition, diagnosed or not. Poor glucose control can lead to nerve damage, vision loss, and cardiovascular complications.

Cholesterol: High cholesterol is a major contributor to heart disease, yet many remain unaware of their levels. National Cholesterol Month aims to change that by promoting testing and lifestyle changes.

Body Mass Index (BMI): While not a perfect measure, BMI offers a quick snapshot of whether someone is underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese. Obesity is linked to a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Why Monitoring Matters

Scientific research consistently shows that early detection and regular monitoring of these health indicators can prevent chronic diseases and improve quality of life. For example, a study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found that disruptions in routine testing during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant drop in blood pressure and glucose monitoring, potentially increasing long-term health risks.

Similarly, evidence from the CDC highlights that structured interventions—like regular check-ups and self-monitoring—are effective in managing hypertension and diabetes. These conditions are often interlinked, and managing one can positively impact the others.

Support for Employers: PAM Wellness

Employers play a vital role in promoting health awareness. PAM Wellness offers innovative solutions like Health Kiosks, a clinically approved onsite kiosk that measures blood pressure, BMI, body fat percentage, and more in under two minutes. These kiosks can be installed in workplaces, making health checks accessible and convenient.

In addition to kiosks, PAM Wellness provides:

• Onsite health checks

• Wellbeing workshops and clinics

• Digital platforms like the PAM Wellness App, powered by Champion Health, for tracking and improving health metrics

These services not only support employee wellbeing but also reduce absenteeism and boost productivity by catching health issues early.

Take Action This Autumn

As Know Your Numbers! Week and National Cholesterol Month approach, there’s no better time to take control of your health. Whether you're an individual looking to understand your risk factors or an employer aiming to support your workforce, knowing your numbers is the first step toward a healthier future.

Check your numbers.

Change your life.

References:

1. HEART UK. National Cholesterol Month. https://heartuk.org.uk/

2. Blood Pressure UK. Know Your Numbers! Week. https://www. bloodpressureuk.org/

3. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. https://drc.bmj.com/

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/

5. Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/

Check your numbers. Change your life.

6. NHS Digital. https://digital.nhs.uk/

7. PAM Wellness. https://pamwellbeing.co.uk/

8. Office for National Statistics. https://www.ons.gov.uk/

9. PAM Life. https://pamwellbeing.co.uk/pam-lif

Know Your Numbers: