Keep Your Cholesterol Levels In Check With These Lifestyle Changes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70 million adults in USA have high cholesterol. Out of that, only 1 in 3 has their condition in check with less than half getting treatment. High cholesterol and high blood pressure are the major heart disease risk factors with individuals with high cholesterol having twice the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease increases the risk of cardiac emergencies like a sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack. These are life-threatening emergencies, and a victim would require immediate treatment for survival. Proper application of the life-saving CPR procedure can revive the life of a cardiac arrest victim. The procedure comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths, it is performed when the heart stops beating, it can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest.

Select a certified training center for acquiring training, such as the AHA certified CPR Columbus in Ohio. Classes are conducted through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers. Here’s information on a “BLS class Columbus:”

Basic Life Support Classes- This course is designed to prepare individuals working in healthcare, and those going to school who are planning a career in healthcare. Students are trained in how to provide chest compressions, deliver rescue breaths, operate an AED, and many other skills necessary to treat cardiac and respiratory emergencies. Become AHA certified at the end of the training classes after successfully passing a skills test and written exam.

Lifestyle changes that can help manage your cholesterol:

Quit Smoking- Smoking is a major risk factor for high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Cut back or quit entirely if you smoke as smoking tobacco causes hardening of arteries and leads to atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque inside arteries).

Exercise- Apart from raising levels of HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, exercise can still help reduce high cholesterol even if you aren’t overweight. Remember, even a small amount of physical activity can help. But experts recommend at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of exercise a week.

Get To Know Your Family History- Talk to your family members to find out if anyone has a history of high cholesterol as you may be at an increased risk for high cholesterol or heart disease if it runs in your family. Also, find out if diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome run in your family. Consult with your healthcare provider with regards to the best lifestyle plan for you if you have a family history of any of the mentioned conditions.

Do Away With Trans Fats- Trans fats are often found in fried foods as well as in commercially packaged baked goods like cookies, and trans fats raise your “bad” cholesterol and lowers “good” cholesterol, so better eliminate them.

Consume Fruits And Vegetables More- Try foods such as, lentils, kidney beans, soybeans, pears, apples, dark leafy greens- these are high in soluble fiber which traps cholesterol and helps the body eliminate it.

Read Food Labels- Limit the amount of saturated fats you eat, which are mainly found in cheese, whole milk, egg yolks, fatty meats, etc. Also, limit your dessert intake and opt for skinless meats and skim milk.

Proper Medications- You may need to take a cholesterol-lowering medication like statin (most common type of drug to lower cholesterol) if lifestyle changes aren’t enough to get your levels of cholesterol under control. It goes without saying to discuss with your doctor if you would benefit from medication.

At CPR Columbus, either register for a course online, or call on 614-321-2094 for the same.