The New Year is just days away. Your 2021 New Year’s resolutions may be far different from past years. The virus has threatened us beyond our imagination and shaken us to the core. However, with the Corona virus vaccine being delivered to our communities to be available to us soon, we hope the end of this grim period is in sight.
While some may begin to think about the usual New Year’s resolutions of diet and exercise, the stress of this past year and in many cases the loss of loved ones and friends may suggest first evaluating our overall health status.
This evaluation should begin with a physical even if you are healthy but haven’t had a physical exam in the past 6-12 months or longer. If you have known health issues, it is even more important to have that checkup. First Care Clinic can often schedule next day appointments for an annual checkup. We recommend mornings since you need to fast prior to a blood test.
Call us at First Care Clinic now and schedule that appointment. 239-260-5307
One of the most important elements of the annual check-up is blood testing. And one of the important results will be your cholesterol level. This is often discussed, but not always understood. The following is a quick explanation of cholesterol and why it’s important.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs. When you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up on your artery walls, which can lead to heart problems.
Why is Cholesterol Important?
Your blood cholesterol level can greatly impact your chance of developing heart disease, and heart disease is the number one killer of both women and men in the U. S.
What Affects Cholesterol Levels?
A variety of things can affect cholesterol level though in many cases, there are actions you can take to manage your cholesterol levels including managing your diet, your weight, and your physical activity.
What do your Cholesterol Numbers Mean?
Everyone ages 20 and older should have his or her cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It’s best to have a blood test called a lipoprotein profile to find out your cholesterol numbers. This blood test is done after a 9-12 hour fast and gives information about your:
- Total Cholesterol (200 or less is best) — HDL+LDL+20% of Triglycerides.
- LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) — considered the “bad” cholesterol as it carries cholesterol from the liver, through the blood, to the tissues of the body where it is stored.
- HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) — considered the “good” cholesterol as it transports cholesterol from the tissues of the body to the liver so it can be gotten rid of in the bile. The higher the HDL level, the lower the risk for coronary artery disease.
- Triglycerides — the main constituents of natural fats and oils. High concentrations in the blood indicate an elevated risk of stroke.
How Do You Treat High Cholesterol?
You can either use drug treatment, Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC), or both, to treat high cholesterol.
TLC includes a cholesterol-lowering diet (called the TLC diet), physical activity and weight management. TLC is for anyone whose LDL is above goal.
And, as one of our favorite cardiologists said, “Exercise and think plants”
The American Heart Association provides excellent information on cholesterol and how to improve it. You can get that information here.