September is Cholesterol Awareness Month and chances are you’ve heard all this before, but the sad truth is there are still 71 million American adults (33.5% of the U.S population) with high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. In other words, one out of every three adults in America has high cholesterol levels.
So what is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs. However, too much of it in your blood can lead to build up in your arteries and ultimately forms blockages. There is “good” and “bad” cholesterol. Saturated fats and trans fats tend to raise cholesterol levels in your blood stream. However, other types of fat such as polyunsaturated fats can actually lower blood cholesterol levels.
What Are Your Numbers?
The key to detecting high cholesterol is screenings. High cholesterol is called “the silent killer” because it has no symptoms. Millions of people are unaware of their high cholesterol numbers, when in fact a simple blood test can reveal high numbers that put them at high risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. So get checked.
Adults 20 years of age and older are encouraged to have their cholesterol checked every 5 years. Your cholesterol needs to be checked more often if…
- Your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or higher
- You are a man older than age 45 or a woman older than 50
- You HDL or “good” cholesterol is lower than 40 mg/dL
- You have other risk factors for heart disease and stroke
Is High Cholesterol Preventable or Treatable?
There are many things you can do to help prevent and/or treat cholesterol. Nonetheless, sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough and your doctor will prescribe medication to control cholesterol. Always be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Here are some things you can incorporate into your lifestyle, which will lead you to healthier living:
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid saturated fats and trans fats that tend to raise cholesterol levels. Incorporate fiber into your meals, as it also can help lower cholesterol.
- Be balanced in your food choices. You don’t have to give up everything. Remember to make healthier choices as simple as including leaner beef options such as Laura’s Lean Beef, so you are able to continue enjoying those meals you love, a little leaner.
- Exercise regularly. That does not mean you need to get an expensive gym membership. Simple changes such as going for an evening walk and taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make a lot of difference. The Surgeon General recommends that adults engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 2 hours and 30 minutes every week. So get a move on!
- Not Smoking. There’s no way around this one. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
Knowledge Is Power
There are many community programs and information resources that can help you learn more about cholesterol and how to prevent it as well as treat it, including:
The American Heart Association’s “How to Get Your Cholesterol Tested”.
LINK: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofHighCholesterol/How-To-Get-Your-Cholesterol-Tested_UCM_305595_Article.jsp
You can also check out “Your Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol with TLC made available to you by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute by visiting http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Be sure to check out our delicious and leaner recipes that you and your family can enjoy with peace of mind.
Select your email service