Unhealthy cholesterol can be improved through changes to your lifestyle, including increased physical activity and improved nutrition (see section on “Nutrition”).
The following are some simple lifestyle considerations for addressing unhealthy cholesterol:
- Engage in more physical activity more often. For most adults, this means 150 minutes per week of low-to-moderate intensity exercise such as walking, biking, dancing, or swimming. Resistance training with weights is also beneficial. Be sure to check with your doctor before you start any new exercise regimen, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- If you are a smoker, quit. Ask your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist for products and advice to help you quit.
- Limit your alcohol intake (this means no more than two drinks daily to a maximum of 14 per week for men and nine weekly for women).
- Keep your blood pressure under control, especially if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (“hypertension”).
- Eat a healthy diet that is high in fibre and low in saturated and trans fats. Consult the Health Canada publication Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide for a detailed breakdown of recommended daily foods and their nutritional make-up. Download a copy.
By paying close attention to daily lifestyle choices and taking action, you can help keep your cholesterol in check.
