In previous months, Concentra has supported several health initiatives, such as helping you lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. September is Cholesterol Awareness Month, and we join the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in helping raise awareness of this key risk factor for developing coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body produces to perform many body functions. But when you have too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, it can build up on the walls of your blood vessels, including those of the heart. Over time, this build-up can restrict the flow of blood and increase your risk for developing heart disease.

The NIH recommends that adults over 20 years old have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years. It’s a relatively simple procedure that involves obtaining a blood sample, and it can be performed by your primary care physician or at any Concentra Medical Center. Your blood is checked for levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”), HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”), and triglycerides.

What can you do if you discover you have unhealthy cholesterol levels? Your physician may recommend you do any or all of the following:

• Increase exercise
• Reduce the amount of saturated or animal fat and cholesterol in your diet
• Stop smoking
• Lose weight
• Take medication

For more information about cholesterol, download the Concentra Cholesterol flyer. For more information on National Cholesterol Awareness Month, visit the NIH Web site.