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National Cholesterol Month: How to Check & Improve Your Cholesterol Levels
October marks National Cholesterol Month in the UK; a great opportunity to check your cholesterol levels and understand what they mean for long-term health. Many people with high cholesterol are unaware it’s affecting them, even though it’s a major risk factor for heart disease.
This month, at The Family Chemist, we are encouraging everyone to check their cholesterol quickly and easily. With our range of simple blood testing kits, you can check key health markers including cholesterol from the comfort of your own home, cutting out the GP waiting lists.
Why Cholesterol Matters
Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipids) found in your body. It is made in the liver and plays an important role in building healthy cells. However, too much cholesterol consumed in certain foods, can lead to serious health issues.
Cholesterol is split into categories:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Also known as ‘the bad cholesterol’.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Also known as ‘the good cholesterol’.
Over time, too much LDL cholesterol can build up leading to atherosclerosis; where arteries become narrowed or hardened and restrict blood flow. This condition can significantly increases the risk of:
- heart attacks
- heart disease
- strokes
Why You Should Test Your Cholesterol
The problem with having high cholesterol is that often there are no symptoms. Usually it’s only found through blood tests which can detect LDL and HDL cholesterol levels in the blood, giving you key insights into your health.
While there are certain risk factors for high cholesterol, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, age, smoking, or a family history of heart disease; high cholesterol can affect anyone regardless of health, age, or lifestyle. The only way to know your cholesterol levels for certain is to test.
How to Improve Your Cholesterol Levels
The good news is that in many cases, cholesterol levels can be improved through lifestyle changes.
- Eat for heart health
- Focus on a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts
- Choose unsaturated fats like olive oil instead of saturated fats
- Cut back on processed foods, red meats, and full-fat dairy products
- Be physically active
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week
- Activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing can help raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by clearing the fat from the blood
- Quit Smoking and Reduce Alcohol
- Giving up smoking and reducing alcohol intake can improve HDL cholesterol and overall health and wellbeing
The Bottom Line
This National Cholesterol Month, consider taking a step towards protecting your heart. Whether you’re manging an existing condition or simply want some peace of mind, our blood testing kits are a simply, reliable way to check your cholesterol levels.
By making small, sustainable lifestyle changes such as eating well and staying active, you can make strides towards improving your cholesterol levels and protecting your long-term heart health.
Your heart works every second of every day, it deserves care.
Order your home cholesterol test kit today and take the first step towards supporting your long-term heart health.
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