Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Dr. John Thornton of the MCG Cardiovascular Center.
Lowering your cholesterol doesn’t have to be hard, it’s is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
High cholesterol levels can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, which increases your risk for heart attack or stroke. Three steps can help you lower your cholesterol and risk:
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Eat well - Eating well means dining on a variety of foods, such as fruits and vegetables; cereals, breads, pasta and other whole-grain products; and lean proteins such as fish, poultry (without skin) and leaner cuts of red meats. Include low-fat dairy in your diet too. When you’re at a restaurant, look for the words steamed, broiled, baked, grilled, poached or roasted, and chances are, these foods are low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
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The MCG Cardiovascular Center is helping to make these dining-out decisions easier in local restaurants. Look for the MCG-certified Heart Healthy logo (a heart and stethoscope) next to heart-healthy menu items at participating restaurants.
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Have fun, indoors and out - The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of activity daily. Walk or bike around your neighborhood or local park, or learn a new sport, like rollerblading. Invite family or friends to join you, and catch up on what’s been going on in their lives. Joining a local health club or gym can give you more opportunities to be social and offer a wider variety of activities. Plan to walk every day at lunch.
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Talk to your doctor - Sometimes you need extra help to reduce cholesterol levels. That’s where your doctor comes in. He or she can prescribe medications to help fight high cholesterol. If you’re still struggling, talk with your doctor again and ask about adjustments that can be made to your plan.
Wellness Center February membership specialIn honor of National Heart Month, the Wellness Center is offering a membership special on all 12-month or payroll deduction membership purchases. New members can choose one of the following specials:
Current members can qualify for a free group exercise registration by referring a new member to the Wellness Center. Offer is valid until Feb. 28. Other requirements or conditions may apply. For more information or to sign up, visit www.mcg.edu/wellness, or call ext. 1-6800.
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