Cholesterol Readings Explained

 Articles, Health  2 Responses »
Jul 032012
 

It is a good idea to have your level of cholesterol checked periodically. You will receive a cholesterol reading that consists of your total cholesterol level, lipoprotein levels, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol level. This will give your physician an overall picture of your health.

Your physician will want three different levels checked t give him a combined reading. It is recommended that you have the cholesterol levels of the three which is the total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol monitored and checked. The best total cholesterol reading is 200mg with a limit of 200 mg to 239mg. Experts predict you are at risk of having heart disease if you have a total of 240mg above cholesterol readings.

LDL Cholesterol

Low density lipoprotein is known as bad cholesterol. If you have high levels of bad cholesterol, it can cause cholesterol deposits in the walls of your blood which increase the risk of possible heart disease. The desirable LDL cholesterol level is below 200 milligrams. The borderline limit of LDL is between 200-240m. A dangerous level is considered to be 240 mg.

HDL Cholesterol

Good cholesterol is the high density lipoprotein. High density lipoprotein cleanses excess cholesterol from tissues to the liver. The liver then breaks it down and it becomes part of the bile for removal. A recommended HDL level is 40mg. You must try to keep your HDL level within 40mg to 45mg. Also keep in mind that it should never dip below 40g. A level above 60mg protects the heart and helps improve brain functions because it protect the blood vessels.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat. It collects in the body as fat and then flows into the blood stream. Most fats in our diet are triglycerides. Triglycerides contribute to of heart disease. In high dosages, it thickens the blood and may cause a heart attack or stroke due to clotting of the blood. The recommended triglyceride level is 150 below with a limit of 150 to 199. It should not exceed 200 above.

Keep in mind when reading your cholesterol level, there are no ideal readings. Ideal readings are different for everyone. It depends on the individuals risk factor or genetic predisposition due to family history, sex, overall health condition and age.

Though physicians recommend if you have a total reading of over 240mg, it is an indication of a lifestyle change. This will increase your risk of having heart problems. If you have a history of high cholesterol, you should be checked every one to two years. Make sure you are doing everything possible to assure that you maintain a health lifestyle so that you can live a long and healthy life.

Can Certain Foods Lower Your Cholesterol Level?

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Jul 032012
 

Did you know that there are cholesterol lowering foods? Are you one of those people who have high cholesterol? Are you concerned that you may not be eating a well balanced diet? You may want to consider changing your lifestyle because any overall improvements will help improve your health. Experts recommend that you eat a diet which is high in fiber, fish oils and garlic. These are some food suggestions that you can help you improve your diet for a better cholesterol level.

Soy products

Soy protein or isoflavones and are effective as a cholesterol lowering foods. The recommended daily intake is one to two ounces, or25 grams, of soy will help you lower your bad cholesterol level by about 8% -10%. If you have a high cholesterol level which is about 260-300, if you change your diet will help lower your cholesterol level by 15-20%. You may want to consider eating some of these Soy products which include: beans, soy milk, flour and tofu. You also may want to consider soy drinks and protein bars that contain 10 to 20 grams of soy protein.

Fiber Sources Fruits, Vegetables and Others

Foods that are rich in fiber are considered as cholesterol lowering foods. Fiber is not easily digested. This can help lower ones cholesterol level. The best fruits to eat are berries, oranges, apples, honey dew melon and cantaloupe, and grapefruit are rich in fiber. The best vegetables to eat are carrots, cabbage, beets, spinach,, broccoli and peas are all great sources of fiber. Oats contain a soluble fiber call Glucan which plays a critical role in lowering cholesterol. Whole grains are cholesterol lowering foods because over-processed ones such as white bread are stripped of their fiber content.

Fish

Fish contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which decrease the chances of getting blood clots. Fish is a good source of cholesterol lowering foods because they help you achieve a level of good cholesterol. They also help prevent blood clotting which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Garlic

Studies have shown that garlic is a cholesterol lowering foods. You may want to consider taking odorless coated garlic tablets which will give you the same effect. The small intestine absorbs the garlic. The coating helps the tablet pass through to the small intestine.

You may want to start with looking at cholesterol lowering foods as a part of a healthy regimen to improve your cholesterol level. Exercise will also help. But you need to do both. You need to start eating cholesterol lowering drugs as well as adding exercise into your daily routine. It is best to maintain a healthy routine until your next visit with your physician to see if there is any improvement.

Types Of Cholesterol Drugs

 Articles, Health  1 Response »
Jul 032012
 

Do you have problems with high levels of cholesterol? Regardless of physical activity, other forms of therapy and dieting? Physicians recommend that you try cholesterol lowering drugs. In case you have not heard of them, there are some new drugs on the market.

Cholesterol lowering drugs should be used as a last resort if you have tried everything else and it has failed. Did you know that cholesterol is essential in cells to your body? However, you can have too much of it as this will increase your risk of heart disease. Thats why it is critical to maintain and healthy lifestyle.

Your physician will determine if you need to take cholesterol lowering drugs based on blood tests. Cholesterol lowering drugs have proven to help in reducing your cholesterol level.

However, keep this in mind, these drugs are pricey and there are some that have side effects. In an effort to reduce your chances of having high cholesterol you need to maintain a low fat diet, exercise, maintain a healthy weight and if you smoke, stop! If you are concerned or are experiencing side effects, consult your physician.

Statin
There are a variety of cholesterol lowering drugs such as statin. This drug has proven to be successful in lowering cholesterol.

However, this drug is known to cause side effects. Experts recommend if you are taking statin, you should also take Enzyme Q-10. if you take this drug you are depleting your body of necessary enzymes.

Bile Sequestrates
Bile sequestrates are another type of drug therapy. Bile acids are released from the liver and gall bladder in the bile.

They then go through the intestine to reduce the amount of fatty material in the food, this helps with absorption. The released bile acids are then absorbed into the intestine and then to the liver. Malabsorption can be a problem with this medication.

Fibric Acids
Fibric acids cut down the production of triglycerides and stop it from circulating. These drugs also help by increasing the amount of HDL or what is known as good cholesterol.

Nicotinic Acid
Nicotinic acids also work by lowering the LDL cholesterol and increasing the level of HDL cholesterol. Large doses of this can lower triglycerides.

Several of these cholesterol lowering drugs are easy and safe to take .Although sometimes they may have a few drug-drug interactions. Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and constipation are common side effects of these drugs. The symptoms are usually mild to severe and usually settle as the drug therapy continues.

Take the time to speak with your physician to assure that you are taking the proper amount of medication in the correct dosage. Choosing the type of drug that is best for you is essential.

What Cholesterol Tests Entail

 Articles, Health  1 Response »
Jul 032012
 

Have you ever had your cholesterol checked? Did you know that cholesterol tests are different from other tests? The test is more specific to calculate the risk of heart disease rather than diagnosing or monitoring it. If you are at risk for heart disease, you most surely want to have advance notice so that you can take medications, improve your diet and exercise so that you live a long and healthy life.

Experts state that hardening of the blood vessels is associated with high cholesterol.  This is due to the LDL cholesterol or low lipoproteins that accumulate in the blood stream and is the main causes of heart disease. As a preventive measure, you should have your cholesterol level checked on a regular basis. It is in your best interest to have it checked regularly.

Experts recommend taking the cholesterol tests every three to five years if they have been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol. This is most generally done in combination of routine physical. Cholesterol tests are usually done with other tests. These include HDL which is the test for good cholesterol and LDL, which is the test for bad cholesterol.

Blood samples are taken and other tests are done to be analyzed by a cholesterol testing device. Cholesterol tests are performed several times a year for those who are on a special diet or low calorie diet and for others who are taking cholesterol medications. Cholesterol tests are done to document the progress in lowering cholesterol.

Generally, if you have taken a cholesterol test you already know that the results are grouped according to:

* Ultimate a cholesterol level of 200 mg or below is desirable because there is a low risk of heart disease.

* Borderline and on the high side– a total cholesterol level of 200 mg to 240 mg is at risk of getting heart disease. If you are in this range, your doctor will more than likely request additional tests are done.

* Red Flagged as High Risk a 240 mg cholesterol level is considered to be at a very high risk of getting heart disease. Your physician will more than likely request additional tests such as a lipid profile. More than likely, you will be given a prescription for cholesterol medication along with the recommendation that you start on a low cholesterol diet.

Cholesterol tests are done when your are healthy because the cholesterol level of an individual who is ill will more than likely be very low. Physicians recommend that you wait at least six to eight weeks after an illness before any tests are done. If you are unsure, speak to your physician directly so that the test will be accurate.

Cholesterol and Heart Disease

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Jul 032012
 

There are many of us who are familiar with cholesterol and heart disease. However, there is currently a debate whether cholesterol is the primary cause of heart disease. Some physicians believe that cholesterol is the main cause of heart disease while others disagree. Experts from several heart studies have determined that high blood cholesterol is the primary factor for coronary heart disease or CHD.

Studies show that if you do have a higher cholesterol level, you increase your risk of getting CHD. People who have low levels of cholesterol are not likely to get CHD.

Other experts believe there appears to be a connection between high blood cholesterol and heart disease. Studies show that if you do lower the bad cholesterol, you will drastically reduce your chances of getting coronary heart disease.

Recently, a set of trials were done on this issue, using drugs that lowered the total cholesterol. The use of these drugs which were statins greatly reduced the chance of having a heart attack, bypass surgery, and dying from coronary heart disease-related causes.

There are risk factors that may increase your risk of developing heart disease. There are some risk factors that can be changed, there are some that cannot. Overall, the more risk factors that you have the more likely you will be experience heart disease. Take the time to review these as there some risk factors that can be changed.

* Age.The older you get, for males it is 45 years or older. For females, it is 55 years of age or older, you increase your chances of getting coronary heart disease.
*Genetics. If you have a family history of a parent or relative who died of heart disease.

There are some risk factors that you can change:
* High levels of bad cholesterol.
* Low levels of good cholesterol.
* History of smoking
* High Blood Pressure or genetic predisposition to high blood pressure because of family history
* History of Diabetes or if it runs in your family.
* Not exercising and living a sedentary lifestyle.
* If you are obese or overweight

You may want to consult a physician if you are unsure as to whether you have high blood cholesterol.

Most experts agree that high cholesterol and heart disease are connected. However, there are some experts who disagree that too much animal fat and heart disease go together.

However, there are some experts who believe that stress, physical activity and weight might influence the level of blood cholesterol. Some experts believe that it is not necessarily dangerous but it reflects an unhealthy lifestyle.

Experts go back and forth about these issues. However, if you lead a healthy lifestyle you should not have many problems.

Sorting Fact From Fiction About Cholesterol

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Jul 032012
 

Cholesterol levels are confusing. There is good cholesterol and bad and lipids and many other confusing terms. Are you unsure as to what it all means! You are not alone! There is a wealth of information on the subject but how do you know what is fact and what is fiction?

You may want to take the time to study the subject so that you are clear what is true and what is fiction.

True or False: The elderly are the only ones with high cholesterol.

This is SO not true! You can be in your 20s and have high cholesterol. In fact it is recommended that you have your cholesterol checked on a regular basis. If you have a history of heart disease in your family and or live a sedentary lifestyle and have eat poorly you are at risk. Cholesterol tests should be regularly and at least once in every five to seven years to prevent health problems and avoid health complications in the future.

True or False: I do not have a problem with cholesterol because I am rarely sick and I exercise on a regular basis.

You may not have any symptoms if your cholesterol is too high. If you exercise on a regular basis, that is great but, you could still have a problem with cholesterol. Other factors are diet,your weight, age and gender, family history, and other factors.

True or False: If you take vitamin C and vitamin E which are, known as anti-oxidants, you will not have any problems with cholesterol.

False! There are no guarantees! There are several factors that affect the levels of Cholesterol. Vitamins help but there are other determining factors as well. If you want to get started in reducing your cholesterol level, start eating a healthy diet and start exercising.

True or False: Drinking a glass of red wine on a daily basis with dinner makes you immune to heart disease.

Studies have shown that moderate amounts of red wine will increase HDL. However, alcohol is high in calories and it may cause an increase in triglycerides, which will put undue pressure on the liver, and will increase blood pressure.

True or False: Look for health conscious products that have low cholesterol labels.

No. There are some products that are low in cholesterol however, they may be high in saturated fats.

True or False: You should never try to lower your cholesterol level.

The liver produces enough Cholesterol to perform its functions. If you start living a healthy lifestyle, and start an exercise routine, this will help lower your cholesterol level.

True or False: If you are overweight you are destined to have high cholesterol.

Not necessarily, however, it is a contributing factor. You may have problems with high cholesterol and not even know it. You may want to consider a healthy diet and exercise so that you are on your way to living a long and healthy life.

Avoiding Fire Hazards This Fourth of July

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Jul 032012
 

As the fourth of July draws near, firework stands are quickly constructed and the barbeque grills are pulled out of the garage. If you are planning a fourth of July party this year, it is extremely important that you know how to avoid fire hazards. Here, you will learn many ways that you can avoid fire hazards this Fourth of July.

The first thing that you should do in order to avoid fire hazards this Fourth of July is to ensure that you understand the directions for the products that require ignition. For example, if you are pulling out the grill this Fourth of July, you should carefully read all the instructions that come with the grill. If you will be using fireworks at your Fourth of July party, it is very important that you read the instructions so that you know and understand how to ignite the fireworks.

If there are children in the home in which the fourth of July party is to take place, it is important that fireworks and any other type of product that requires ignition, like a barbeque grill, is kept out of reach. If children are close to the products that require ignition, it is vital that a responsible adult supervise the children at all times. Additionally, children should never be left to ignite products like the barbeque grill and fireworks. This can be extremely dangerous.

When dealing with products the must be ignited, it is important to keep water and a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.You should keep both of them nearby. However, if you do not have a fire extinguisher, you should keep a flame blanket and a bucket of water near to the fire. This is very important. Even the smallest firework can result in a large fire. This is the last thing that you want to experience at your Fourth of July party.

When using products that require ignition, like fireworks and barbeque grills, it is important to make sure that you light these items in open spaces. These items should never be lit in the home, or any other type of building. These items should not be lit in areas that are close to trees, shrubs, and other flammable items. You should also ensure that you do not light these items near automobiles, pets, and other people. Having a fire at your Fourth of July party because you ignited a product too close to things would not be fun at all.

It is extremely important that you never point a firework, a fire cracker, and other flammable object at another person. Many people receive injuries each year as a result of this type of activity. You want to do all that you are able to in order to fire hazards at your next Fourth of July party.

Fireworks for Your Fourth of July Party

 Articles, Holidays  1 Response »
Jul 032012
 

One of the main events that occur every Fourth of July is the firework display. Many people choose to visit a public firework display. Other people choose to host parties and display their own firework displays. This Fourth of July if you will be purchasing a firework assortment to do your own display, it is important that you understand the different types of fireworks that are available. This will ensure that you make the most informed and planned decision on the types of fireworks that you wish to display. In this article, we will review the basic firework types so that you can effectively plan for your Fourth of July party.

1) There is a firework type that is referred to as a battle type. These are very large fireworks that fire off in such a way that there are numerous loud bangs. People refer to them as battle fireworks because it sounds as if there is a battle occurring. These types of fireworks are often sold in a shell base.

2) Firecrackers are a type of firework. These types of fireworks are banned in most areas. They consist of a long string of numerous fireworks that are all fired at the same time. This is one of the reasons that these types of fireworks are banned.

3) Shells are a very interesting type of firework. These particular fireworks are common at Fourth of July public firework displays. They fire off in such a way that the explosion looks like gigantic flowers. They can contain numerous colors when displayed.

4) A cherry bomb is a popular type of firework. These are red in color and extremely loud. However, these types of fireworks have been banned, so, you will probably not be able to experience these on the Fourth of July this year.

5) Rockets are fun fireworks if you are in an area that allows them. You simply light them and watch them launch and explode into a beautiful explosion of colors and shapes. This is a great firework display that you can implement in your display this Fourth of July.

6) The Roman candle is a type of firework that many public firework displays use on the Fourth of July. They are very loud and very bright. Most shows use this at the conclusion of the firework display shows. The ones sold for private use exhibit less noise and display features as they are very small in comparison.

7) A sparkler is, by far, the most common firework type that is purchased each year. It is simply a wire that is lit and then displays small sparks. Many parents prefer these types of fireworks as they are deemed relatively safe.

It is very important to choose the proper fireworks when you are hosting a Fourth of July firework display. This article entails some of the most common types. When you buy fireworks, remember to buy those that are legal in your area and keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times.

Mixed Drink Recipes for July 4th

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Jul 032012
 

This Fourth of July, many people will be gathering together in various types of social functions to celebrate their freedom in the United States. There are many types of activities that will occur on the fourth of July. There will be picnics, barbeques, parties, and other types of social gatherings. If you are planning a social function for the fourth of July, you will probably want to create a menu and drinks that surround the American theme. Here, you will find many mixed drinks that you can create that surround the theme of America. This Fourth of July, your friends and family are sure to talk months and months about your great American mixed drinks that were served on the fourth of July!

American Beauty

The American Beauty is an excellent choice for an American theme mixed drink for the fourth of July. It is important that you ensure that you have all the necessities prior to attempting to create an American Beauty. You will need a cocktail shaker, a cocktail glass, and crushed ice. The ice should be crushed thoroughly. Once you have gathered all the necessary materials to create this mixed drink, you are ready to create your American Beauty.

You will need:

  • One ounce of Brandy
  • One ounce of Orange Juice
  • One ounce of Vermouth that is dry
  • One half ounce of Grenadine
  • One quarter ounce of Ruby Port

Once you gather the appropriate measurements of the required ingredients, you should mix everything together in your cocktail shaker. It is important that when you place all the ingredients in the cocktail shaker that you also placed the crushed ice in the cocktail shaker as well. Once you have mixed for at least thirty seconds, strain the drink and pour it into a cocktail glass. It is always best to ensure that the cocktail glass is properly chilled prior to serving this drink at your Fourth of July party.

American Sweetheart

The American Sweetheart is another great mixed drink recipe that can be served at your Fourth of July party. This is a hit among many Fourth of July parties each year; why not make it a hit at your next Fourth of July party? Basically, all you need to create this American themed mixed drink is some ice, a few basic ingredients, and a rocks glass.

You will need:

  • One ounce of Southern Comfort
  • One ounce of Bourbon
  • One teaspoon of Vermouth that is dry
  • Some Sour Mix

Once you gather everything that you will need to create the American Sweetheart, simply mix all the ingredients well with ice. You should mix for at least a minute to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The American Sweetheart mixed drink is sure to make your Fourth of July party very exciting!

There are many American themed mixed drinks that you can serve at your Fourth of July party. It is important that you work at least a couple into your menu. Just mix and serve for some fantastic fireworks at your Fourth of July party!

Hosting a Fourth of July Party

 Articles, Holidays  1 Response »
Jul 032012
 

If you are planning a social gathering this year for the Fourth of July it is very important that you know all the tips and tricks to hosting the best Fourth of July party possible. When choosing to host a Fourth of July party, it is very important that you plan according to your theme. It is important to stick to a theme that surrounds the total concept of America.  The whole concept of the Fourth of July surrounds the theme of America, so it is important to stay on target.

The first step to hosting a Fourth of July party is to instruct your guests to dress American. This includes clothing that reflects the colors of our flag red, white, and blue. You should also encourage wearing jeans, or jean shorts. Denim has long been held as an American tradition. People may also choose to wear decorative hats, belts, and other accessories that reflect the American colors at your Fourth of July party.

When hosting a Fourth of July party, it is very important that you select a menu that reflects American food and customs. Many people choose to cookout on the Fourth of July. Common foods at a Fourth of July party include hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, coleslaw, and all American desserts like Apple Pie and similar items. It is important that you select foods and desserts that reflect America in its finest.

When hosting a Fourth of July party, it is important that you include activities and games that reflect the American spirit. Some games that you may include are horseshoes, baseball, softball, football, and volleyball. You may choose to have a live sprinkler on so that people can cool down from the summer heat, or activities that include water like bobbing for apples and water gun tag. This is a great way to implement some fun at your Fourth of July party and create lasting memories with all of your guests.

When hosting a Fourth of July party, it is essential that you keep the comfort and safety of your guests in mind.  The heat that occurs in the summer months can be extremely devastating. You should ensure that you provide plenty of beverages that can assist a person when staying hydrated. You should also implement water games and activities that will allow people to keep cool. Many people who host a Fourth of July party also have a designated place where people can go to get out of the sun, like a shaded patio.

While hosting a Fourth of July party, it is essential that you do all that you can to prevent potentially dangerous fire hazards. Practice extreme caution when lighting barbeque grills and fireworks. Children at your Fourth of July party should be supervised at all time. This is especially true when there are items present that require ignition.  This is also true when there are dangerous items, like pools, present.

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