IMatter Presents: “The Doctor’s Corner” – National Cholesterol Education Month

Americans young and old can be affected by high cholesterol. September is National Cholesterol Education month, the perfect time to have your blood cholesterol checked and take the recommended steps to lower it if yours is high. Even if your numbers aren’t high, take some time for yourself to learn about lipid profiles and what foods and lifestyle habits can be incorporated into the daily life of you or your loved ones to maintain your normal levels.

What is Cholesterol and How Do I Know If Mine Is High?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in our body and many foods. Your body makes cholesterol in your liver and needs it to function normally, making just as much as your body needs. Unfortunately, if your cholesterol is high, there aren’t typically any symptoms, which means many people may not even know they have high cholesterol! There is a simple blood test that can be ordered by your physician, called a lipoprotein profile, which measures your total cholesterol levels, including LDL (“bad” cholesterol”) and HDL (“good” cholesterol”) and triglycerides.