Heart Health 101

Date: 04/08/16

Your health is important to us. So make sure you keep your heart healthy by learning about cholesterol and how to manage it.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs. But having too much cholesterol in your blood can cause it to build up on the walls of your arteries. And this can lead to a risk of heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the U.S.

One in every six adults has high cholesterol. And many don’t know they have it, because high cholesterol has no symptoms. So it’s important to ask your PCP about having your cholesterol levels checked during your annual wellness exam.

If your cholesterol levels are high, there are steps you can take to help lower it.

• Eat a healthy diet with foods with lower saturated fat
• Exercise for at least 2½ hours each week
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don’t smoke or quit smoking
• When needed, take medication prescribed by your PCP

Contact your PCP at your next wellness exam and ask to have your cholesterol levels checked. Plus, your wellness exam can earn you $50 in My Health Pays™ rewards.

Read more articles from your Spring Newsletter!

Did You Know?
Feed Your Health
Sleep Your Way to Better Health
Take Charge of Portion Control
Earn My Health Pays Rewards for Staying Healthy

Sources: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbc
http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/docs/consumered_cholesterol.pdf