LifeMasters Provides Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Blood Cholest...(e these foods are high in fiber. Also ch...),Health

milk products and beans as good protein sources to help you curb your

appetite. All these changes can help reduce LDL cholesterol. If you do

eat at fast food restaurants, choose the lower fat items, and minimize

the times per week you eat out. Small changes make big differences!

2. Battle the Bulge: Being overweight is another cause of high

cholesterol. Losing weight not only decreases the level of LDL

cholesterol in the blood but it also increases the amount of "good"

(HDL) cholesterol that aids in preventing heart disease. Even modest

weight loss can result in big changes in your health. Weight loss can

be achieved by adjusting diet and increasing daily activity. The key is

calorie balance -- consistently take in fewer calories than you burn,

and over time you will lose weight.

3. Get Active: A sedentary lifestyle greatly intensifies high cholesterol.

Incorporating moderate activity into your life aids weight loss, while

increasing your level of good cholesterol. Integrating more activity

does not have to be an extreme adjustment and can include things you

enjoy, like a dance class, gardening or walking with a friend. Do not

think of what you do physically as exercise, just MOVE!

4. Kick the Smoking Habit: In addition to the many other dangers

associated with smoking, smoking has also been shown to weaken the

arterial walls, making them more susceptible to cholesterol build up.

It also decreases HDL levels and can cause blood clots. There are many

programs available to those who are interested in quitting. Talk with

your doctor and check the Internet to find help in quitting in your

community or state. If you smoke, this is the MOST important thing you

can do for your health!