Know your numbers: Five key health metrics that could save your life

Dr. Columbus Batiste, Cardiologist Kaiser Permanente Riverside County With November being Diabetes Awareness Month, now is a good time to pay closer attention to your health and key metrics we should all monitor regularly. We track all kinds of numbers — credit scores, test results, game stats — but the most important numbers are the ones that measure your health. Conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes often develop silently. You might feel fine and still have numbers that put you at risk. The good news? Small, consistent changes can improve these numbers. A more plant-based diet, less salt, more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, along with regular exercise and stress management, create a strong foundation for lifelong health. It’s a good idea to keep these five