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Posted by: Sandra on 2009-11-10, 09:44:31
Lifestyle changes can do a lot to reduce our expenses, individually and as a nation. They also lead to longer life, generally. The hard part is changing our own behavior. Here are some: Drive less, walk more. Stop using alcohol. Don't drive under the influence of anything. Don't use stupid drugs. Enjoy a good laugh with friends, as often as possible. Don't smoke anything. Eat more veggies, much less sugar and fat. Cook your food, rather than eat out or buy prepared food. Avoid risky sex. Be safe every time. Avoid risky sports and activities. Get your immunizations. Don't forget tetanus. from the article below: "Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) may help you lower LDL cholesterol. The lifestyle changes include diet, exercise, weight loss, and other changes. Your doctor will want you to follow TLC even if you are taking cholesterol-lowering medicine. And medicine will be more effective if you have healthy eating and exercise habits. * Diet. Diets to lower cholesterol are low in fat—especially saturated fat—and cholesterol. One of the best things you can do is reduce the amount of saturated fat you eat. * Exercise. You may need to change your exercise habits. Regular exercise, or no exercise, affects your cholesterol level and your overall heart health. People who maintain an active lifestyle have a 45% lower risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) than do people who have a sedentary lifestyle. * Weight loss.Excess weight tends to increase your LDL cholesterol level. Losing just 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kilograms) can lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, exercising regularly, and cutting calories will help you lose weight. * Other lifestyle changes to consider.There are a number of other lifestyle changes that improve cholesterol levels, reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, and improve your general health. o Stop smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Smoking decreases your HDL ( "good ") cholesterol. Smoking is believed to change LDL cholesterol to a form that promotes the buildup of deposits in the walls of your coronary arteries. Smoking increases your overall chances of developing heart disease significantly, because it damages your heart and blood vessels. o Reduce stress. Although the connection is not clear, some studies suggest that long-term stress can increase your cholesterol levels. It may be that stress increases your cholesterol levels indirectly. So try to minimize stressful situations as much as possible at work, at home, and elsewhere. You may also ask your doctor for advice on ways to reduce stress. Healthwise logo Last Updated: July 11, 2008 Author: Robin Parks, MS Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology © 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions. |
