Physical Health
Your current physical condition and medical needs
What We Ask About
4 topics
- Blood Pressure
Definition
The force of blood pushing against your artery walls, written as two numbers, systolic over diastolic (for example, 120/80).
Why it matters for a long, healthy life
Blood pressure that stays too high forces your heart and blood vessels to work harder every single day, quietly raising the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease long before symptoms appear.
The research
A randomized trial spanning a wide range of blood pressure levels found that both higher systolic and higher diastolic pressure independently predicted cardiovascular events, reinforcing blood pressure as a modifiable driver of risk.
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
Definition
A measure of body weight relative to height, used as a general marker of weight-related health risk.
Why it matters for a long, healthy life
Being at a very high or very low BMI is linked to a shorter life expectancy, mainly through its effects on heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
The research
A pooled analysis of 239 studies and more than 10 million adults found the longest life expectancy in the mid-range of healthy weight, with the chance of poor health outcomes rising at both the low and high ends of BMI.
Source: Global BMI Mortality Collaboration, The Lancet, 2016
- Chronic Condition Load
Definition
The number and severity of ongoing health conditions you're managing at once, for example, diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis.
Why it matters for a long, healthy life
Each additional chronic condition tends to compound the others, making the body's overall workload heavier and shortening the years you can expect to live in good health.
The research
A large collaborative analysis pooling many studies found that having several cardiometabolic conditions together, such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, was linked to substantially poorer health and shorter life expectancy than having just one.
- Functional Activity
Definition
How well you're able to do everyday physical tasks, walking, climbing stairs, getting dressed, without difficulty.
Why it matters for a long, healthy life
Losing physical function is one of the clearest early warning signs of declining health, often showing up before any specific diagnosis does.
The research
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that objectively measured physical capability, grip strength, walking speed, chair rises, consistently predicted how long people went on to live and how well they stayed in good health.
Why We Ask
Your physical health shapes how you take part in life. When your body is healthy and able, you have more freedom to move, work, and connect with others. You can enjoy activities and care for the people who matter to you. Taking care of your physical health helps you stay active and independent, and make the most of your life.
Understanding Your Score
Your Care Team Support
Your Primary Care team can review your vitals, conditions, and next steps together. Ask your county resource specialist to connect you.
TYPES OF PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY HELP