What Guys Are Saying About Their Health |
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Managing Cholesterol
When it comes to cholesterol, most guys either fear it, ignore it, or hope it will eventually go away. It is here to stay, but there's good news: Even Godzilla-sized cholesterol levels can be reduced through dietary and other lifestyle interventions.
Action Rx:
If you're concerned about cholesterol, ask your doctor for a full cholesterol profile. Ideally, the goal is to achieve:
- Total cholesterol level below 5.2 mmol/L (200mg/dL).
- LDL level below 3.6 mmol/L (130 mg/dL).
- HDL level above .90 mmol/L (35 mg/dL).
- Triglyceride level below 2.29 mmol/L (200 mg/dL).
- VLDL, very-low-density lipoproteins (the so-called "bad" cholesterol) below 1.0 mmol/L (39 mg/dL). Most cholesterol is transported in the bloodstream as part of low-density lipoproteins. A high VLDL reading equals lots of bad cholesterol in your bloodstream, which you want to work towards reducing in order to protect your arteries and heart.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Whether your cholesterol is high or low, but especially if it is high, try to make the following lifestyle adjustments:
- Exercise at least four times a week.
- Stop smoking.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Increase fiber intake and reduce saturated fat intake.
(Eating oatmeal for just 30 days can help reduce cholesterol by as much as 18 points. Start having oatmeal for breakfast and see for yourself.)
- Practice stress management on a daily basis.
(Yoga is part of Dean Ornish, M.D.'s program, which has been proven to reverse heart disease by lowering cholesterol and stress levels. If you think yoga is for wusses, think again. Everyone, from NFL football players to rock stars, is doing it.)
More Info at ThirdAge
 ThirdAge Guide to Eating Well
Diet & Nutrition: What to Expect in Your 40s
Diet & Nutrition: What to Expect in Your 50s
Diet & Nutrition: What to Expect in Your 60s
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