September is National Cholesterol Education Month

September is National Cholesterol Education Month

More than 102 million adults in the US have received the dreaded diagnosis of high cholesterol. That's why September is National Cholesterol Education Month. It's a great time to learn about how to prevent high cholesterol before it happens.

High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

If you haven't yet, now is an important time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high.

The CDC recommends that adults over 20 have their cholesterol checked every 5 years.

Doctors can do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol. A reading of 200 mg/dL or above is usually a high reading, putting you at risk for heart disease.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and many foods. Your body needs cholesterol to function. However, too much cholesterol can cause build up in your arteries.

High cholesterol isn't only a risk for adults. In the United States, more than one-fifth of teens have a high cholesterol reading. Children over two years old can diagnoses if they have a family history of health issues.
There are many ways to treat high cholesterol. Medication is not your only option. For example, having a diet of both low-fat and high-fiber food. Exercising every day is an important way to lower your risk.

Visit us at Affinity Urgent Care to make sure your cholesterol levels are normal. And help us spread the word, using #NationalCholesterolEducationMonth on social media.