February and July are Cholesterol Months at WKRBC. . .  non-fasting cholesterol screening with each February or July blood donation

Too Much of a good Thing?
Cholesterol is one of he fat-like nutrients transported in the blood, and our body uses cholesterol to build cell walls and make hormones.

The problem with cholesterol arises, however, when people have too much and the wrong type of cholesterol in their blood streams.  In fact, more than 70 percent of all Americans are aware that elevated cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, less than 50 percent of Americans have actually had their cholesterol levels tested, and less than 10 percent even know their cholesterol number.

Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs.  When you eat foods like meat and dairy products are high in saturated fats, you introduce excess cholesterol to the blood.  When too much cholesterol runs through your bloodstream, it can  become trapped in the walls of your coronary arteries and continue to build over time.

Most coronary disease is the result of blocked arteries.  When cholesterol clogs the artery that supplies blood to the heart, that part of the heart muscle does not get the nutrients and oxygen it needs, so it dies.  The result is chest pains, a heart attack, or sudden death.

Ways to Reduce and Prevent High Cholesterol
With a combination of diet and exercise, you may be able to lower your blood cholesterol risk by as much as 75 percent in only two weeks!

Modify your diet.  Cut down on cholesterol-rich foods and saturated fats.  try to reduce the fat in your dies to 30 percent of the total calories you consume

Most Americans now obtain more than 40 percent of their calories from fat.  A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and cereal grains will help control your cholesterol level.
Eating more fish, poultry, and lean cuts of meat and fewer eggs and organ meats will also help.

Stay fit with moderate exercise.  Aerobic  exercise is especially beneficial for improving you cardiovascular fitness and lowering your blood cholesterol level.
experts recommend exercising a minimum of 20 minutes a day, three times a week.

Practice stress management.  Psychological stress has been shown to raise cholesterol levels. Stress management activities such as yoga and muscle relaxation can help avoid heartbeat and artery constriction.

Quit smoking.  Smoking is one of the three main risk factors for coronary heart disease.  By quitting, you maybe able to strengthen your heart and lower your cholesterol level.

Check your cholesterol level regularly.  When you donate blood during cholesterol month or on one of our blood drives that we are offering cholesterol test, you will receive a free cholesterol test.

National Institutes f Health have determined a cholesterol level of 200 mg/dl or less is most desirable, between 200 and 239 mg/dl as borderline for risk, and over 240 mg/dl as high risk.  The most accurate cholesterol test results can be obtained only after fasting.  Since all donors should eat before giving blood, your cholesterol test results may be somewhat higher than you expect.

The Best Blood Donor is a Healthy Donor
Conscientious blood donors are people who are interested in helping themselves as well as others in the community.  By providing you with this important health information each time you donate,  Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center thanks you for donating and encourages you to take care of yourself.  For more information about cholesterol, call your local chapter of the American Heart Association.