Camp-ready health education · Reviewed August 18, 2026

Know your
numbers.

A clear guide to common screening results, what they may mean, what to ask next and when not to wait.

Use the quick reference

Quick reference

Three conversations to start.

Use these prompts at a camp, then open the detailed section before interpreting a result.

01 · Blood pressure130/80

Stage 1 hypertension begins when either number reaches its threshold.

02 · Blood sugar5.7–6.4%

The A1C range used to identify prediabetes in nonpregnant adults.

03 · CholesterolKnow risk

LDL goals depend on overall heart and stroke risk, not one universal cutoff.

01 · Hypertension

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is categorized by the higher category reached by either the top or bottom number. The 2025 AHA/ACC guideline sets a treatment goal below 130/80 mm Hg for most adults, with clinical judgment for individual situations.

2025 AHA/ACC guideline summary

CategorySystolic / diastolic mm HgAt a camp

Normal<120 and <80Keep up heart-healthy habits.

Elevated120–129 and <80Track it and discuss prevention.

Stage 1130–139 or 80–89Confirm with repeat readings and follow up.

Stage 2≥140 or ≥90Arrange timely clinical follow-up.

Above 180 and/or 120?

Repeat the reading. If it remains above 180/120 and the person has chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or numbness, a vision change, back pain or trouble speaking, call 911. Without those symptoms, contact a healthcare professional promptly.

See hypertension posters AHA patient guidance ↗

02 · Diabetes

Blood sugar

The ADA uses laboratory A1C or plasma glucose to diagnose diabetes. In the absence of clear symptoms or a hyperglycemic crisis, diagnosis requires confirmatory testing. A finger-stick result at a camp can guide follow-up, but it does not make the diagnosis.

ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes, 2026

Laboratory rangeA1CFasting plasma glucose

Usual range<5.7%<100 mg/dL

Prediabetes range5.7–6.4%100–125 mg/dL

Diabetes threshold≥6.5%≥126 mg/dL

Random plasma glucose

A result of 200 mg/dL or higher is a diagnostic criterion only when classic symptoms of high blood sugar or a hyperglycemic crisis are present.

Symptoms to ask about

Frequent urination, unusual thirst and unexplained weight loss should prompt clinical evaluation.

See diabetes posters ADA patient guidance ↗

03 · Heart and stroke risk

Cholesterol

The 2026 ACC/AHA guideline brought back LDL cholesterol goals based on a person’s overall risk. It also recommends measuring lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), at least once in adulthood because inherited elevation can raise long-term risk.

2026 ACC/AHA dyslipidemia guideline summary

Risk groupLDL-C goal

Borderline or intermediate risk<100 mg/dL

High risk<70 mg/dL

Very high risk with ASCVD<55 mg/dL

Ask about the whole risk picture

Age, blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, tobacco use, family history and ancestry can change the treatment conversation.

South Asian ancestry matters

The 2026 guideline identifies South Asian ancestry as a risk enhancer that can support earlier or more intensive prevention.

See heart-health posters ACC/AHA guideline hub ↗

Across every topic

Turn a number into a next step.

1
Measure carefully
Use the right equipment, note whether the person ate recently and repeat an unexpected result when appropriate.
2
Explain without diagnosing
Name the range, make uncertainty clear and avoid changing medication advice at a screening table.
3
Make follow-up specific
Write down the result, the date and the recommended next action so the person can share it with a clinician.
4
Build on daily habits
Adults should work toward 150 minutes of moderate activity each week plus muscle strengthening on 2 days, adjusted for ability and clinical advice.

Source notes

Current, linked and reviewable.

This page summarizes national guidance for adult education. It does not replace medical care, diagnosis or a person’s treatment plan. Pregnancy, childhood and some medical conditions use different thresholds or targets.