Health & Wellness Blog

Information posted is for information, entertainment, or educational purposes only.  Nothing is intended to be medical advice or to replace the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

Blog Home

Sep 28
2020

Cholesterol Education Month

Posted by Scott  filed under Nutrition

September is cholesterol education month. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that can be found in the human body, and in many foods. The body needs cholesterol to function properly, but too much of it can cause a variety of problems, including a higher potential for heart disease and stroke. This September, people everywhere should take some time to learn more about cholesterol, its importance, and what to do to prevent high cholesterol.

High Cholesterol

Regular amounts of cholesterol are a good thing, and your body needs it to build healthy cells. However, too much cholesterol can result in a buildup in your arteries, which causes the arteries to narrow. This high cholesterol is a serious issue, as it can cause many heart problems.

Causes and Symptoms

High cholesterol has been linked to many different factors, including:

  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Diets high in cholesterol
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Diabetes
  • Liver disease
  • Smoking

A person with high cholesterol won’t show any immediate symptoms; high cholesterol can only be detected by a doctor through blood testing.

Prevention

Some factors, such as your genetics, can’t be changed. But there are some lifestyle choices that can be made to help prevent high cholesterol. These changes include:

  • Get regular physical activity, preferably most days of the week
  • If you drink, only drink in moderation
  • Don’t smoke
  • Don’t smoke
  • Limit foods that contain high cholesterol levels. These foods include:
    • Meats
    • Dairy products
    • Deep fried foods
    • Some processed foods
  • Try to eat more foods that help lower cholesterol, such as:
    • Oats
    • Whole grains
    • Beans
    • Fruits
    • Foods high in fiber

 

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). “September is National Cholesterol Education Month.” Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_education_month.htm

Wedro, Benjamin. (2018). “High Cholesterol.” Retrieved from: https://www.emedicinehealth.com/high_cholesterol/article_em.htm#definition_and_facts_about_high_cholesterol

Mayo Clinic. (2019). “High cholesterol.” Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800

MacGill, Markus. (2019). “What causes high cholesterol?” Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9152.php

Back