Mens Health
CHOLESTEROL
Cholesterol - Is not a very nice word to some people.
A few ways to help cholesterol in check
A number of Australians have cholesterol levels that are too high! In fact greater than 240 mg/dL - This level is higher than it should be for a healthy person's heart.
If you happen to be one of these people, keeping you cholesterol at safe levels will lower your chances of having a heart attack. It is know that for every 10% drop in your cholesterol levels, you lower your heart attack risk by between 20% to 30%
What is cholesterol?
Firstly let's remember that we need cholesterol as it is a necessary and essential component of every cell in our bodies.
Cholesterol is a fatty wax-like substance that is found in almost every cell of your body. It is a fact that we require cholesterol to make hormones and vitamin D, digest in our foods we also need the Cholestero to help protect your nerves and for the production of cell membranes.
Unfortunately you will not be able to lower your age or the family medical history, sad but true, as both of these things can affect your cholesterol levels.
Those men that are carrying a little extra weight and are not getting out and about and exercising as they should. Could make a small effort and lose a little weight and if you need to and boost physical activity. Walking for 20 minutes to half an hour a day is so easy and it is such a big help! (Walking by the way is good for everyone). Taking these two simple steps can help lower your cholesterol. It is said that the most important thing men can do is watch what goes in your mouth.
The following four simple steps are a way to get you started
Men over 50 need to have a regular health check
Go visit the doctor for regular medical check-up and do it often! A regular check will keep you informed and help you stay healthy. The plus is you will pick up early warning signs of any disease or illness. Picking up on the early signs of Cardiovascular (heart) disease, diabetes and some cancers in their early stages, could save your life!
Once you start having regular health checks
You will get to know your doctor and more importantly he will get to know YOU! He will discuss your medical history, your family's history of disease and most importantly your lifestyle. Talk about your diet, weight, how much you exercise you do and whether or not you smoke and if you do smoke give it up! Visit our pages on smoking - GIVE UP SMOKING
Change a few small things
Start with the food you eat just make healthy choices. Start eating more fruits and vegetables, get your motor running better and cleaner, try to stay away from processed foods. Choose healthy dairy substitutions like fat-free milk instead of full cream milk, and for a sweet try or low-fat yogurt instead of sugar-laden stuff.
Spend more time focusing on fats
Start by avoiding those foods high in saturated fats, as they increase unhealthy LDL levels. Move away from Trans fats, which increase the LDL levels and lower protective HDL. Try instead to substitute healthier unsaturated fats, those wich can be found in fish, vegetable oils and nuts,
Change the breads you eat
Select whole grains. Keep in mind that whole-grain breads, pasta, and good quality cereals help prevent a blood sugar rising> At the same time makes the body feel like it does not need more food. A lot of these foods contain fibre and eating fibre helps lower the LDL levels.
Some Men might need to take a medication
Sometimes lifestyle changes are just not enough to lower cholesterol to a healthy level. Some Australian men do not know they have or on their way to bad cholesterol levels. So a cholesterol-lowering drug might be required. Statin drugs can be very effective, but some men are unable to take this type of drug, other options are available. For more information about how to reduce your health risks from rising cholesterol levels please visit a medical practitioner.
Heart health checks for men
Health checks men's for heart disease may include:
Blood pressure
Every man of 40 needs to have a blood pressure check every two years and if your over 50 have it checked more often.
Blood tests
Blood test check cholesterol levels and triglycerides, higher levels could indicate an increased risk of various health problems including heart disease. If you are over 50, you should obtain advice from your medical practitioner.
Obesity tests
Australian men that are over overweight significantly increase the risk factor for a number of health conditions, those include, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Ask your medical practitioner to check your body mass index (BMI) and waist measurements.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A non-invasive and painless medical test that detects cardiac (heart) abnormalities It does this by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. Should you be a man over 50, your doctor may recommend an ECG test.
READ MORE - A FEW OF THE BEST CHOLESTEROL LOWING FOODS
Please Note: No medical information is published on this website and articles show are not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and the reader is advised not to take any action before consulting with a health care professional.
About Over 50s Health Pages
Disclaimer: Most of the photos used on AML websites are from our own photographers and paid purchases. Some are obtained from to the best of our ability known to be FREE materials websites. For any complaints about this site or its contents please contact: enquiries@australiamyland.com.au
Photo Credits: Monkey Business Images: Dreamstime; Ian Allendon: Dreamstime; Monkey Business Images: Dreamstime
Thank you for visiting About Over 50 - enjoy browsing.
Contact Us WITH ONLINE FORM NOW for more information
