Opening Statement:
After reading about and educating myself concerning cholesterol, I now have a better understanding of the dangers of developing high cholesterol can be. The harsh reality of reading the numbers verifies that nearly 38% of Americans have high cholesterol, this means that almost half of the U.S. population is at high risk for heart disease and stroke, which is two of the country’s leading causes of death. The second harsh reality is, high cholesterol shows no signs or symptoms, therefore, the only way to know your levels are at risk is to have them checked.
What Is Cholesterol?
· We need cholesterol in our bodies to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. However, having too much cholesterol can cause issues and complications.
· Your body gets cholesterol from two sources: your liver and food from animals. Meat and dairy products all contain cholesterol. And, because these foods are high in saturated and trans-fat, they cause your liver to make more cholesterol than it typically would. Oils also contain saturated fat and can cause similar overproduction of cholesterol.
What Makes Cholesterol “Bad”?
There Are Two Types of Cholesterol: LDL And HDL.
1. LDL, low density lipoprotein, is the “bad” cholesterol. It can build up inside of your arteries leading to blood clots and strokes. High LDL is primarily caused by an unhealthy diet.
2. HDL, high density lipoprotein, is the “good” cholesterol. It carries LDL away from your arteries and back to your liver where it’s broken down and processed.
Triglycerides And Cholesterol:
· Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They’re made by both food and your body. Typically, if you have high triglycerides, you will also have a high cholesterol level (high LDL and low HDL). Factors such as weight, alcohol consumption, diabetes, kidney disease and more contribute to high triglyceride levels. High levels of triglycerides also contribute to heart disease and other health issues.
Five Facts About Cholesterol:
1. High cholesterol has no symptoms making it difficult to diagnose.
2. More than 35 million Americans have cholesterol high enough to put them at risk for heart disease
3. The National Cholesterol Education Program suggests people over 20 years old get their cholesterol checked every five years.
4. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a diet low in fat and high in fiber, and not smoking can help lower cholesterol.
5. Most people don't need added cholesterol from their diet, their bodies make enough on their own.
Why National Cholesterol Education Month Is Important:
It Shines a Light on A Silent Condition
High cholesterol has no symptoms itself, but it can lead to blockages of the arteries resulting in heart disease. National Cholesterol Education Month raises awareness about this potentially dangerous condition.
It Urges People to Get Checked
A simple blood test can tell you if your cholesterol is high and if you're in danger of heart disease. Since there are no symptoms for high cholesterol, adults over the age of 20 are encouraged to get this test once every five years.
It Inspires People to Make Healthier Choices
High cholesterol can often be caused by one's lifestyle habits. Poor diet, a lack of exercise, and other factors like smoking can cause or exacerbate the condition. Luckily, improving one's lifestyle choices can also help lower cholesterol and National Cholesterol Education Month teaches people just how to do that.
Closing Statement:
The importance and education concerning high cholesterol is truly a necessity for everyone and should be taught early on in life. Being that high cholesterol is one of the most common and frequently misunderstood health risks in America, it might be a great topic for health webinars offered by companies to their employees, along with mental health, the dangers of alcohol, and drug use. Fact…cholesterol can be caused by an unhealthy diet and it is intensified by smoking and a lack of exercise. Fact…cholesterol is a serious condition that affects nearly 102 million Americans over the age of 20 years old.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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