Why is it that with all the information available on how you
can lower your cholesterol through diet programs, making
some lifestyle changes or just using certain prescribed
medicines, the amount of people with high cholesterol
appears to be on the rise? Maybe because there's no
manifestation of the effects until later in life. After all,
cholesterol, more specifically bad cholesterol (LDL), is not
known as the 'silent killer' for nothing. So the 'out of
mind out of body' attitude seems to prevail, which is why
its so dangerous. We only wake up when its too late, when
the first stroke, or heart attack strikes. To prevent this
here are 5 simple things you can do to lower your
cholesterol.

1.Educate yourself on the condition. Understanding the
situation fully allows you to know what's required to
remedy the situation. Don't just leave it to your doctor,
be proactive and take it upon yourself to find a solution.
After all, its your health, and who knows your body better
than you? Once you do a little research you'll be amazed at
the wealth of information out there, and the treatment
options available to you.Also finding the information is
easy. Visit your local health department or hospital, speak
to registered dietitians and do consult with your personal
physician.

2.Have regular cholesterol checks. Every six months should
be adequate. Know where you stand so you don't get any
nasty surprises later on in life, and later does not
necessarily refer to 50 or 60. Cholesterol related heart
attacks have been known to occur to those people in their
40's and even some cases in their late 30's! Also, don't
think because you gym everyday, don't smoke or drink that
you are safe. If you have a family history of cholesterol or
heart problems, you might not be immune. It can be
hereditary, as it was with me. My cholesterol levels in my
20's was already dangerously high, and I was and still am
pretty health conscious. Regular tests will also let you
know how bad it is, and if more serious medication is
required. Also, it will allow you to monitor the effects of
the treatment program from test to test, and whether to keep
going or change the program.

3.Get moving. Make exercise, or any form of physical
activity a daily part of your lifestyle. There's no need to
join a gym and exercise for 2 hours a day, just take a walk,
jog, or play a sport. Any physical activity to get your
heart pumping a little faster is all that's required. The
effects of exercise on lowering bad cholesterol (LDL), and
at the same time increasing levels of good cholesterol (HDL)
are pretty conclusive, and makes exercise one of your main
weapons in this regard.

4.Watch your weight. There's a proven correlation between
being overweight and high cholesterol, so making some
changes to your diet would be recommended. Just cut down on
the fat intake, especially processed fats and also sodium.
Eat more fruits and veggies and increase your consumption of
fiber rich foods. Just use common sense and cut down on the
junk.

5.Attitude. Decide and make a commitment and stick to it.
Set your target and develop the discipline to achieve that
target, no matter what obstacles gets thrown in your path.
The best way to lower your cholesterol is to have a plan and
stick to it. Don't expect miracles, delayed gratification
is the key.

If your cholesterol is fine you should still commit yourself
to a healthy lifestyle. Remember, prevention is better than
cure, and no where is this more true than with cholesterol.
If you already have high cholesterol, its never too late to
start. Just apply the 5 simple methods to lower your
cholesterol and you will be well on your way to a healthier
and happier future.