September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a time to reeducate ourselves about the impacts of high cholesterol and how to prevent it. High cholesterol harms your overall health and can be indicative of disease. However, what exactly is cholesterol? According to the CDC, cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and many foods. Your body needs this to function correctly; however, too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease or stroke.
The risk of high cholesterol increases as you age. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for managing cholesterol in older adults. However, the most important factors to be mindful of is your diet and physical activity to keep cholesterol within a healthy range.
5 RISK FACTORS
Genetics: Sometimes, there are just things we cannot control. Your genetic background could increase your risk, especially if one or both of your parents have high cholesterol.
Age: The likeliness of developing high cholesterol increases as you age.
Gender: Women are at a higher risk than men.
Lifestyle: A stationary lifestyle, being overweight, and smoking dramatically increases your risk.
Diet: A diet high in saturated and trans fats will increase your risk of high cholesterol.
4 WAYS TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL
Diet: Eat more low fat and high fiber foods. (Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)
Exercise: Strive for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week.
Maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, make a plan to lose weight and maintain a healthier BMI.
Quit smoking
Twin Lakes Community, a CCRC in Burlington, NC, boasts many amenities and opportunities for our residents to live active lifestyles. Our residents’ health and overall wellness is a top priority. We offer over 140 exercise classes each month through our dynamic THRIVE wellness program, in addition to adventurous excursions such as kayaking and mountain hikes. Learn more about Twin Lakes Community by scheduling your tour of our community. Call now at (336) 538-1572.
