September is National Cholesterol Awareness Month

High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for developing heart disease. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that exists in your blood. When there is too much cholesterol, it builds up in the walls of the arteries, causing decreased blood flow, which can lead to a heart attack.

High blood cholesterol affects more than 65 million Americans. High cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, so many people are unaware that they are at risk. That's why regular cholesterol testing is important.

There are several factors that can affect cholesterol levels, some of which you can control:

• Diet
• Weight
• Physical activity
• Age & gender
• Heredity

According to the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, everyone over the age of 20 should have his or her cholesterol checked at least once every five years. September is National Cholesterol Education Month, which serves as a good reminder to get your cholesterol checked and take steps to lower your numbers if they are too high.

from Happenings August 2010.