September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. The consequences of not doing so can impact your life tremendously.
An excerpt of dialogue between two friends will help you gain a better understanding of what’s really at stake.
“Yesterday, my church sponsored a wellness seminar. The information provided by the guest speaker was so insightful,” Betty shared with her friend Cindy. “The speaker talked about the importance of knowing our cholesterol numbers, how food contributes to our cholesterol levels, and the long-term impact of cholesterol medication.”
“Wow! I hate I missed the seminar. Give me some specifics,” Cindy said. “What are good numbers for cholesterol?”
“Total cholesterol, less than 200 mg/dL is desirable. Borderline high is 200-239 mg/dL and high is 240 mg/dL and above. Then you must consider the individual numbers for HDL, LDL and triglycerides. When you start looking at the HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), you want high numbers (60 mg/dL or higher). HDL helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries. However, the opposite is true for LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Since it is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries you want low numbers (less than 100 mg/dL).”
“I need to get my blood cholesterol levels checked. It’s been over two years since I’ve done so. My cholesterol levels could be too high and I don’t even know it.”
“Absolutely,” Betty confirmed. “My sister (age thirty-nine) was diagnosed five years ago with high cholesterol and has been prescribed a variety of statin drugs.”
Cindy quickly interrupted, “What are statin drugs?”
“Statin drugs help to lower cholesterol levels in people with or at risk of cardiovascular disease.”
“I see,” Cindy responded.
Betty continued, “You’ve probably seen television commercials for some of them like Lipitor, Vytorin, and Crestor. Among the many of her side effects from taking the medications (weight gain, fatigue and lack of energy, loss of memory, muscle pain and weakness) she has suffered tremendous hair loss.”
“Your sister always wore those beautiful short and stylish hair cuts.”
“No more,” Betty responded. “Through the years (and still today) she has never resolved her unhealthy eating habits (as related to a love for meat, fried foods and diary products). Witnessing the impact of high cholesterol on my sister’s life has made me more committed to practicing healthier lifestyle habits (exercising and eating foods low in saturated fat like one percent dairy products, lean meats, fish, and skinless poultry).”
This health and fitness dialogue is provided for your consideration only. It is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about your specific health and fitness needs.
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