This post was written in partnership with Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. and Take Cholesterol to Heart to share great tips on how to help manage your cholesterol. All opinions and content are my own. I am not a medical professional and am not qualified to give medical advice. Please talk with your doctor about your individual medical situation.
Here is the thing, my friends…there’s no better time than National Women’s Health Week to start thinking about heart health. When I found out about my rare genetic heart condition, I learned very quickly there was a lot more to my health than met the eye. I was introduced to terms and procedures that I did not think I would hear until I was older, if EVER.
After carefully managing my heart condition for many years, I know better! Terms like heart health, stroke and cholesterol are not just for the elderly, but for the younger generation too. I now talk to my doctor regularly about all of these key points.
Did you know that high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease? Or that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? High cholesterol can be deceiving because you can’t see or feel it like some other conditions, but it can have serious consequences.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is that any condition or disease does not discriminate. It can hit anyone, anywhere and at any time. So, it’s important to get your cholesterol checked regularly by your doctor – every 4-6 years for adults over the age of 20, per the American Heart Association (AHA). If you have high cholesterol, work with your doctor as your heart health partner to ensure you are on a management plan that fits your unique needs.
Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
If you have been following my blog for long enough, you know I live a heart-healthy lifestyle. I maintain a healthy weight according to my doctor, eat well and exercise regularly. I am here to tell you – it’s not that hard and it doesn’t have to be difficult on your wallet, either. It may be a matter of life or death, so
isn’t it worth the research and effort?
Maintaining a heart-healthy diet is an important part of keeping your cholesterol in check. Avoid foods with saturated and trans fats, such as fried and processed foods. Aim for foods that are high in fiber.
Don’t forget about exercise, which plays a huge role in heart health as well. It is so important to move your body every single day. You can make exercise part of your daily routine without it feeling like a chore. Try taking the stairs, playing with your kids, swimming, biking, gardening, playing sports, or taking a brisk stroll (which according to AHA is one of the easiest ways to help improve heart health).
To learn more about connecting with your doctor, questions to ask and cholesterol-friendly lifestyle choices, check out TakeCholesteroltoHeart.com. You know I am passionate about heart health and any chance I can talk about it, I will. So, here is your public service announcement to start thinking about your heart health! It’s TIME to Start Thinking About Heart Health.
