COMMUNITY HEALTH CORNER With Chief Pharmacist, Ray Glaser at Thrifty White Pharmacy, 503 Third Avenue East in Alexandria. September is National Cholesterol Education Month It's a good time to get your cholesterol levels checked and take steps to lower it, if it's high. High cholesterol puts you at greater risk for heart discase and stroke. Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance that can be found in all parts of your body. It helps your body make cell membranes, many hormones, and vitamin D The cholestcrol in your blood comes from two sou:the foods you eat and your liver, Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. A cholesterol screening is an overall look at the fats in your blood What is LDL (low-density lipoprotein) HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol? HDL (good") cholesterol, helps to remove cholesterol from the blood. This keeps plaque from building up in your arteries. LDL ("bad) cholesterol is a type of fat in the blood that contains the most cholesterol. It can contribute to the formation of plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis). This is linked to higher risk for heart attack and stroke. You want your LDL. to be low. To help lower it: You want your HDL to be as high as possible. Some people can raise HDL by . Avoid foods high in saturated fat, Exercising for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week dietary cholesterol, and extra calories Exercise Maintain a healthy weight Stop smoking Not cating saturated fats Losing weight Manage Your High Cholesterol with These Moves Exercise does have the powcr to lower LDL. Cbad) cholesterol and increase HDL(good) cholesterol. Just remember this equation: acrobic activity resistance training boosted heart rate! Need some examples of exercise that will get your ticker pumping and kick thar high cholesterol out the door? Brisk walking Power walking will boost your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and strengthen your heart. It can also significantly reduce your risk for stroke-more so as you pick up the pace High-intensity interval training- This type of workout roquires intense periods of exercise for up to 8 minutes. But then you get a recovery period that lasts just as long, Weighdlifting- I's time to pump you up! Research suggests resis training can improve cholesterol levels. Your Thrifty White Pharmacist can help you learn about the risks high cholesterol can have on your health and suggest changes to your food choices and lifestyles habits to help lower your cholesterol. O Employee Owned PHARMACY 503 Third Ave. E Alexandria, MN 320-762-1531 Store Hours: Mon Fri: 9am 8pm Sat: 9am 4pm Sun: 10am 2pm 200 Central Ave. Osakis, MN 320-859-2161 Store Hours: Mon Fri: 9am 5:30pm Closed Saturday &Sunday tlineDruastore www.onlinedrugstore.con