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6 cholesterol tips you need to know

Posted: Sep 6th 2008 2:00PM by Maggie Vink
Filed under: Fitness, Food and Nutrition

stethoscope on heartSeptember is National Cholesterol Awareness Month, so take some time this month to educate yourself on cholesterol -- the good, the bad, and what you can do about it.

  • Get tested. If you don't know your cholesterol levels, visit your doctor. Ask your doctor to explain the results and give you some recommendations if your cholesterol levels needs improvement. Chris recently posted a good overview of the different types of cholesterol and some general guidelines for healthy ranges.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods. Choose plenty of whole grains, healthful fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), lots of fruits and vegetables, and lean protein. Also, remember to minimize your sodium intake.
  • Be active. Exercise consistently. It can help raise your HDL ("good" cholesterol) as well as lower other heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and obesity.
  • Don't smoke. Tobacco smoke can lower your HDL level.
  • Ask your doctor about medications. Your doctor may recommend over the counter medications (such as specialized aspirin or vitamins with added plant sterols -- these have some positive impact on cholesterol health) or prescriptions medications (such as statins) to lower your cholesterol.
  • Track your progress. Download this chart from the American Heart Association to track your progress.

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