September is National Cholesterol Education Month, and OakBend Medical Center encourages children, young adults and older individuals to get their blood cholesterol checked and take the active steps to lower if found to be high. Personal cholesterol goals can be reached with individualized knowledge of lipid profiles, in addition to food and lifestyle choices. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high cholesterol can be prevented or treated with lifestyle changes by:
– Low-fat and high-fiber food (Eat more fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains)
– For adults, getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week. For those aged 6-17, getting 1 hour or more of physical activity each day
– Maintain a healthy weight
– Don’t smoke or quit if you smoke
The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that adults aged 20 years or older have their cholesterol checked every 5 years. A simple blood test called a lipoprotein profile can measure your total cholesterol levels, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol), HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol), and triglycerides.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article, including text and images, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical service. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
(Infographic courtesy of American Heart Association)
