What is it about cholesterol that makes it harmful? It is, after all, produced in our body, so why is it so bad? These are the kinds of questions health care providers regularly address when explaining cholesterol.
The liver makes the majority of the cholesterol that our bodies need to function properly, so with additional amounts obtained by eating meat, eggs and dairy we can easily go overboard. The real problem is that cholesterol production increases as we age. If we don’t adjust our habits and reduce external cholesterol consumption, it can build up in our arteries and lead to a cardiovascular event or stroke.
Home heath physicians and nurses routinely treat patients with maladies that are the direct result of high LDL- cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) levels. While it’s true that some people inherit a propensity for high cholesterol and need to regulate their levels with medication, many people can regulate them through diet and exercise.
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, making it the perfect time to remind your referral partners about the services you provide patients dealing with heart disease and stroke recovery. Start by supplying your referring physicians and clinicians with educational health brochures related to cholesterol damage.
Do your part as a health care professional to educate the public about cholesterol.:
Share cholesterol facts throughout the month on your social media feeds:
1) Consider a heart healthy diet heavy with HDL friendly foods like olive oil, legumes, fatty fish, nuts, flax seeds, and high-fiber fruits.
2) Exercise moderately every day,
3) Avoid tobacco and alcohol,
4) Maintain a healthy weight
Partner with healthy eateries to host lunch-&-learns with local non-profits that share your vision. Provide information about cholesterol monitoring and demonstrate your expertise and value as a Home Health provider.
Provide disease prevention brochures to a variety of establishments throughout the community: public health centers, pharmacies, walk-In clinics, and senior centers to name a few.
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Resources: MedlinePlus.gov, heart.org