Say Goodbye to Clogged Arteries

LDL (bad) cholesterol=the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries

Did you know the higher your LDL the greater risk you have of developing heart disease. You are at risk if you......

• Smoke cigarettes
• Have high blood pressure
• Have low HDL cholesterol
• Have a family history of heart disease
• Are an older adult Men= 45 years or older and Women= 55 years or older

If you are at risk there are a few treatment options. The first is called a therapeutic lifestyle change. This includes eating foods that will lower your cholesterol, exercising and weight management. This diet consists of a low-saturated, low-cholesterol eating plan. Physical activity is needed everyday for 30 minutes. There is also the option of drug treatment which includes statins, bile acid sequestrates, nicotinic acid, fabric kids and cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Your doctor would choose the one that is right for you. 

Find out what your cholesterol levels are and check them regularly. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and make a plan that is right for you. 

Source: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

The Gift of Health

Show yourself some love this month, and take the right steps towards a healthier you. It's time to focus on yourself for a change and take a step back from helping others. Most of the time we are amazing caregivers towards the people in our life but we forget to help ourselves. Lets make this month all about you! 

Start by seeing your doctor and getting a checkup. Get your annual health screenings and talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. It's important to take those preventative measures and know what your risks are. Make sure to be eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Take time each day to go for a walk. This will be good for you and will give you some alone time. Do activities that make you happy and spend time with people who boost your mood. Eliminate the major stressors from your life and especially people who you feel are toxic to your well-being. It's OK to take all this time focusing on yourself. Your health and life matters! 

BE YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER! 

Heart Healthy Recipe

Start your day off healthy by having some whole wheat pancakes with strawberries!!

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 2/3 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2/3 cup fat-free milk
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 hulled, sliced strawberries
   

  Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats and baking powder; mix well. In a medium bowl combine milk, egg, and oil; blend well.
2. Add dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.
3. Coat skillet with spray and heat to medium high. For each pancake, spoon 1/4 cup of batter into skillet. 
4. Flip when batter bubbles and edges begin to set. Remove from heat and top with the strawberries.

Source: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/