Blood sugar is also called blood glucose. It is a measurement of the amount of sugar in your blood. This measurement is found by doing a blood test, usually after an 8-hour fast. It is important to know this number because it tells your doctor or if you are at … Read More
If you want to lower LDL naturally, the answer may lie in your spice rack. Turmeric is the Indian spice that gives curry its golden color. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind for cholesterol health, research indicates turmeric's benefits include that it is one … Read More
You’ve probably heard high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol described as the “good” cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as the “bad” cholesterol. But when it comes to which type of cholesterol is most important to control, who wins the HDL vs. LDL matchup? If only it were that simple. There's considerable debate … Read More
Finding out what your cardiovascular risk is requires that you see your physician periodically to have your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight checked. From there, your health-care team may recommend a variety of tests and investigations to determine your level of risk and develop a plan to minimize … Read More
Hashimoto’s disease is the most common thyroid disease in the United States, affecting 5 in every 100 people. An autoimmune disease that frequently leads to hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones), it is eight times more common in women. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), “Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occurs when … Read More
A number of factors—some preventable, others not—can cause abnormal cholesterol levels, or dyslipidemia, in the blood. Here are the factors that you can control: A Poor Diet Diets high in saturated fat and trans fat are linked to higher LDL cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in animal products, especially fatty red … Read More
Triglycerides are important to our bodies. They're composed of glycerol and three fatty acids, hence the name “triglycerides.” In your body, they combine with blood proteins to form lipoproteins. The liver then sends those lipoproteins (the cholesterols LDL and HDL are lipoproteins) out to transport fats to other tissues to … Read More
Unintentional weight loss occurs in 15 percent to 20 percent of older adults, says the American Association of Family Practitioners (AAFP). It’s also associated with increased morbidity and mortality. That’s one out of every five seniors experiencing unintentional weight loss that can directly affect their longevity. It’s especially sobering to … Read More
You already know that keeping your cholesterol in check is important for heart health. High cholesterol is associated with clogged arteries and a greater chance of a heart attack. But you may be wondering: What exactly is a normal cholesterol level, and how do I get there? And you’re probably … Read More
It’s ironic that while many people are avoiding the doctor for fear of what it will cost, some medical experts are debating the value of the one “free” aspect of the Affordable Care Act: an annual physical (a.k.a. preventative exam) and appropriate screening tests. The annual physical and screening tests … Read More
