Add knowledge to your healthy New Year's resolutions

Did you resolve to get healthier in 2018 by hitting the gym more often, eating better and managing stress?

Good for you!

Here’s another resolution you should consider: learning about the numbers that contribute to your overall health, including heart health. Last week, we talked about your blood pressure numbers. This week, our focus is on knowing your numbers when it comes to cholesterol.

The National Institutes of Health estimates 65 million Americans have high cholesterol and most of them don’t know it. It’s a problem because high blood cholesterol can impact more than your heart and vascular system.

The NIH, and most physicians, recommends adults age 20 and older have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years. Those with elevated levels should have their cholesterol checked more often. Your cholesterol levels are comprised of three numbers: total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

The NIH recommends the following cholesterol levels for otherwise healthy adults:

• Total cholesterol – less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol – Less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol – 60 mg/dL and above

The primary goal in controlling cholesterol is to lower LDL, also known as “bad” cholesterol, levels. Reducing LDL can help prevent heart attack and reduce death from heart disease in both men and women. IT can slow, stop or even reverse the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

King’s Daughters provides a low-cost way to get your lipids checked – our Low-Cost Blood Profile. The screening costs just $25 and includes total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides along with blood sugar, complete blood count, iron levels, metabolic indicators and more. The next screening is 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5 at our Imaging Center, 2225 Central Ave., Ashland. No appointment needed; fasting required. For more dates and locations, click on the Events Calendar on KingsDaughtersHealth.com.

Know your cholesterol levels already and need help? King’s Daughters cardiologists are available throughout eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio to help you manage your heart health. A physician referral is not needed. Call our main office at (606) 324-4745 to schedule.