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* Write Your Own Health
Plan
* Turn Back the Clock on
Aging
* Know the Difference
between Good and Bad
* Once is Not Enough
* Walk this Way to Better
Health
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Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat-like substance found naturally in the bloodstream. LDL cholesterol is considered "bad" because it clogs arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow. HDL is "good" cholesterol because it helps get rid of LDL.
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| A simple test will show how much of each substance is in your blood. A total number below 200 is desirable. If your number is higher a fiber supplement, such as Konsyl Original, may help.
Learn how fiber can lower cholesterol>>
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Some multivitamins you take once a day. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, nutrition experts often recommend five a day. These foods contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that might help protect you from chronic diseases, such as stroke, other cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. You'll do well by eating a rainbow of colors: green spinach, orange sweet potatoes, black beans, yellow corn, purple plums, red watermelon and white onions.
See more high-fiber foods>>
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| Physical activity, combined with smart eating, helps you lose or maintain your weight. Experts recommend 2½ hours a week. That's 20 minutes every day (or 30 minutes a day for five days). Exercise is important at all ages--for you, your children and your parents. |
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| Write Your Own Health Plan |
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While Congress debates a healthcare bill, you can write your own health plan and get started today.
A basic program of wholesome foods and daily exercise can improve your health and prevent a variety of ills. Mealtimes should include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (like brown rice, wheat and oats), moderate portions of lean meat or fish, and a limited number of sweets. A menu planner at MyPyramid.gov can help you prepare healthy meals.
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| your risk for having a heart attack. Medicines can lower cholesterol, but so can this three-step program: |
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1. Follow a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol;
2. Be more physically active;
3. Lose weight, if you are overweight.
As for exercise, experts recommend 20 minutes every day, or 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. If that sounds like a lot, you can break it up
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| into 10-minute chunks. Some people will workout at the gym, go for a swim or walk around the neighborhood. Did you know that doing housework, washing the car, or playing with your children is also considered exercise? It is a good idea to check with your doctor before undertaking strenuous exercise. Start your own health plan today to help protect yourself against diseases tomorrow. |
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| Turn back the clock on aging |
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| If you eat well and exercise regularly, you might be younger than the age on your driver's license. How can that be? One website calculates your "real age;" that is, an age based on your lifestyle and habits. At Realage.com, you answer questions about your diet, physical activity and risk factors, like smoking, alcohol use and driving habits. The survey |
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| calculates your "real age" and compares it to your calendar age. The website recommends steps you can take to lead a healthier life.
September is Healthy Aging Month, designed to inspire adults, age 50-plus, to improve their physical, mental, social and financial health. At HealthyAging.net, you'll find educational resources, food suggestions and activities. Some healthy foods for you to enjoy are: oats, walnuts, almonds, kidney beans, olive oil and yogurt. See our fiber rich food list for more options. Stay active by finding a walking group or exercising at the Y, local recreation center, or senior center and make your "real age" younger than your calendar age!
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