| NUTRITION We would like to think that heart disease is something that just older people get. It certainly doesn't pertain to us, right? Think again-according to Dr. James Cleeman, Coordinator of the National Cholesterol Education Program, we all need to be concerned about it. He states "Young adults 20 years of age and older should have their cholesterol measured". Studies have shown that the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply the heart begins in late adolescence and early adulthood, and a cholesterol level measured at age 22 predicts the risk of heart attack over the following 30-40 years. Waiting until mid-life to measure and lower cholesterol reduces the benefit that can be obtained. Checking you7r cholesterol and discussing it with your doctor can help you make lifestyle changes-eating right, being physically active, and controlling weight-to maintain good health now and prevent heart disease later in life. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends lifestyle changes for everyone older than age 2. Children as well as adults can improve the future health for their hearts by following a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, avoiding obesity, and being physically active. If a child does have high cholesterol, the same lifestyle changes should be instituted for the child as for an adult. Those individuals who are linked genetically at risk for heart disease or high cholesterol, due to a parent having these conditions, should take extra measures to check their cholesterol and make healthy lifestyle choices. Just in case you think your exercising protects you from ever having to worry about your cholesterol level, think again. Exercising can help lower your "bad" cholesterol (LDL) to a point and helps to raise your "good" cholesterol(HDL). But your dietary intake and family history is also a very important part of the picture. Get your cholesterol checked today if it has been more that 3 years since your last screening. If your cholesterol level was abnormal, have it checked at least every year or more often as directed by your physician. Good Luck! By: Karen Phillips |