health tips

If you have a high blood cholesterol level, lowering your cholesterol doesn't have to be hard and it is one of the best things you can do for your heart and health.

High cholesterol levels can lead to a build-up of plaque in your arteries, which increases your risk for heart attack or stroke. But 5 simple steps can help.

Eat a Healthy Diet. Eating healthy foods is one of the easiest ways to lower blood cholesterol. Eating well means dining on a variety of foods, such as fruits and vegetables; cereals, breads, pasta and other whole-grain products; and lean proteins such as fish, poultry (without skin) and leaner cuts of red meats. Include low-fat
dairy in your diet too.Start exercising. Get up and get moving! Exercise is essential to good health. It is necessary for good circulation which benefits your heart, lungs, muscles and energy levels, to name only a few. You'll live longer if you add exercise to your daily routine.
Quit smoking. Smoking accelerates the rate at which dangerous plaques build up in your arteries. This plaque blocks the flow of blood causing your heart to work harder and raising your blood pressure. This can cause a heart attack or if a plaque breaks loose it can cause a clot and a stroke.
Reduce stress. Learning to relax can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Stress can contribute to high levels of cholesterol even when you are eating a low fat low cholesterol diet.
Visit with your doctor. According to the National Cholesterol Education program, all adults should have their cholesterol levels tested every five years