Author: Bush, Gracelyn

You’re probably asking:
What is my
cholesterol?
Is it more than a number?

Know Your Body:
Cholesterol

Yes! Cholesterol is so much more than a number! It is a necessary lipid that your body uses for all sorts of things.
Read on to find out more!

Check here to learn more!
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp#.VuOJWPlViko
https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2015/february/protecting-your-heart-what-is-a-healthy-cholesterol-level-for-you
http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/en/healthy-eating/cholesterol.asp

Cholesterol. Isn’t that something only old people need to sweat? Nope!
Get in the know of how cholesterol can positively and negatively affect your body!

Grace Bush

Two Types of Cholesterol
To better understand cholesterol, you must first know there are two types, LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) and HDL (High Density Lipoproteins). Both are a mixture of lipids and proteins.
LDL:
LDL is known as the bad cholesterol.
It is necessary to transport cholesterol to and from the cells.
Level raised by saturated fats.
High levels of LDL can put you at a higher risk for heart disease.
HDL:
Known as good cholesterol.
HDL’s job is to take excess cholesterol out of the arteries and transport it to the liver.
Healthy levels can help protect against heart disease.

Checking your Levels
There are no symptoms associated directly with cholesterol. However, high cholesterol can lead to fatal heart problems. So, cholesterol should be tested at least every five years. It is tested by a simple blood test. The results are read by your doctor and compared to the normal levels (seen on next page).
Triglycerides, a type of fat in blood, can also be tested along with cholesterol.
How can I keep healthy LDL/HDL levels?
To best protect yourself from possible heart disease and stroke, it is important to maintain healthy cholesterol. Some possible ways to maintain healthy levels include:
Exercise (at least 30 minutes a day)
Cut down on the amount of saturated fats eaten
Saturated fats, such as fatty meats and dairy, can increase your LDL (bad cholesterol)
Unsaturated fats, such as nuts and fish, can decrease your LDL
Maintain a healthy weight
Reduce stress