Page 28 - September 26, Bulletin

LIVE WELL. WORK WELL.

MONTHLY HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2024 EDITION

Cholesterol and You

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that your body
needs to build cells; however, too much can pose a problem. Cholesterol
travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. There are two
types of lipoproteins:
1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as bad cholesterol, makes up
most of your body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can
increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as good cholesterol, absorbs
cholesterol and carries it back to the liver to be flushed from the body.
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More than 40% of U.S. adults with high cholesterol don't know
they have it, according to a study published in JAMA Cardiology.
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Eat a heart-healthy, balanced diet.
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, so the Saturated and trans fats can increase your cholesterol, so focus on monounsaturated
American Heart Association (AHA) recommends fats (e.g., olive oil, nuts and avocados) and polyunsaturated fats (e.g., salmon,
that adults age 20 or older have their cholesterol herring and margarine). Also, limit red meat, fried foods, processed meats and
checked every four to six years. Bad cholesterol baked goods.
can be elevated by age, family history, certain health
conditions (e.g., Type 2 diabetes and obesity) and Exercise regularly.
lifestyle factors. While you can’t control all those risk The AHA recommends individuals get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic
factors, you can take steps to lower your risk for high exercise each week. Adding resistance exercises to your routine at least twice a
cholesterol with the following lifestyle changes: week can further help.

Avoid or quit smoking.
Smoking tobacco increases LDL cholesterol, decreases HDL cholesterol and can
result in cholesterol buildup in one’s arteries.
Limit alcohol use.
If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. For men, this typically means up to
two drinks per day, and for women, one drink per day.

Maintain a weight that is healthy for you.
Having excess weight or obesity can increase your risk of developing high cholesterol
levels. A doctor can help determine a sustainable weight management plan.
The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to check your levels. Visit
your doctor for a cholesterol screening and to discuss lifestyle risks.

Zywave, 2024.
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be construed a medical purposes. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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