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Understanding Cholesterol
Did you know that cholesterol comes from 2 sources?
 You probably know that cholesterol comes from food. But what you might not know is that your bad cholesterol also has a lot to do with your family history.
Everyone's bad cholesterol comes from 2 sources: the cholesterol that is absorbed from food and the cholesterol your body produces naturally, based on heredity.
What is cholesterol?
 Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that can build up in your artery walls. This restricts blood flow and can cause a heart attack or stroke. The higher your LDL (bad) cholesterol number, the greater your chances for heart disease.
Know your LDL (bad) cholesterol number.
Your LOL (bad) cholesterol number is important. It gives you and your doctor a standard for good health-much like your temperature, pulse, or blood pressure. Your LOL (bad) cholesterol goal number is based on your current and historical medical situation and any risk factors you may have for heart disease. The average person should try to maintain an LDL (bad) cholesterol level below 130 mg/dL.
Lowering Cholesterol
There may be more you can do.
Stay focused on lower-fat and lower-cholesterol foods. Many people have difficulty with high cholesterol simply because their body produces too much of it. But foods that are high in cholesterol or fats also contribute to the problem.
Eat healthy when you're out. Try oil-and-vinegar dressing on salads; ask the chef to remove excess fat from beef and to trim the skin from chicken. If in doubt, ask your waiter for recommendations on foods that are low in fat.
Make exercise a regular part of your life.
The principle of adjusting your diet also applies to exercise.
To help you develop a healthy lifestyle, we've included a few tips that can help you get started (see the list below). When you're ready, remember that it's important to increase your activities gradually. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.
Inactive
Walk on your lunch hour or coffee break
Take the stairs whenever possible
Take the dog for an extra walk or two
Recruit an exercise partner |
Mildly Active
Join a gym or recruit an exercise partner
Increase the frequency of your exercise sessions
Create an exercise schedule - and stick to it
Explore new sports that interest you |
Active
Excercise 3 times a week, 30 minutes a day
Choose activities that use large muscle groups, such as swimming or biking
Vary your routine to avoid burnout |
Tip to Control Cholesterol
- Aviod Foods High In Cholesterol
- Don't Smoke
- Lose Weight (IF You Have To)
- Excercise Regularly
- Follow Your Doctor's Instructions
- Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
- Eat More Whole Grain Breads, Cereals, Beans & Rice
High cholesterol over time may cause serious health problems. If you don't know your cholesterol numbers, see you doctor and have it checked! For more information about cholesterol and your health, please call 1-800-4-LESCOL.
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