You have just discovered that either a senior loved one or you have high cholesterol. You are definitely not the only one.
The concern continues to grow all across the country. In order to help manage this problem, a doctor might prescribe a statin, which is a cholesterol-lowering drug. Houston senior care is another service that is available to elderly individuals with health issues.
It is critical for good health to carefully listen to the doctor and follow what they prescribe. However, you might be concerned about statins and the side effects that are associated with them.
Is there anything that can be done so that you can avoid having to take a statin?
According to experts, there may be ways to do this.
Can Your Cholesterol Be Lowered Without Having To Take A Statin?
One thing you can do is speak to your doctor about what things you can do to lower cholesterol without needing to take a statin. While you are discussing statins with your doctor, it is very important to remain focused on what your overall health situation is. This includes two major concerns:
For elderly Americans, the number one killer is heart disease.
In the U.S. the leading cause of disability and death in adults over the age of 65 is a stroke.
Your risk for both of these can be affected by your cholesterol levels.
To help guide these discussions, the following are some basic statin facts and other options you can explore to help with lowering your cholesterol.
Facts Regarding The Benefits Offered By Statins That You Need To Be Aware Of
Harvard Medical School research has compiled the following information on statins:
- Might help to protect against osteoporosis and ward off dementia
- Might help to reduce risk of strokes by as much as 31 percent
- Might lower LDL cholesterol levels up to 50 percent or even more
However, there are serious side effects that are associated with statin drugs. Those side effects include the following:
- impotence in men
- diarrhea
- nerve inflammation
- nausea
- rash
- loss of concentration
- sleep disturbance
- muscle inflammation
- liver inflammation
With such a long list, it is very understandable why some people would want to look into other options to help them manage their cholesterol levels.
Exercise and Diet Might Help With Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels
Maintaining a heart-healthy diet can help to improve your cholesterol levels. Exercise can too.
However, what foods should be part of a heart-healthy diet? And what are some senior-friendly types of exercise?
Every year scientists continue to find new evidence that heart health can be improved by traditions and lifestyle that come from countries located on the Mediterranean Sea.
Mediterranean Diet
You are in luck if you love food from Greece, Italy, and Spain. Healthy fats such as avocados and olive oil, garlic, nuts, and olives form the foundation of this special way of eating. Other mainstays include vegetables, fish, legumes, beans and fewer meat servings.
Natural Types of Exercise
People living near the Mediterranean Sea also follow a lifestyle that promotes natural types kinds of exercise. Instead of driving, they often bike or walk. Many garden on a daily basis. The sedentary lifestyle is rare here compared to how common it is in many Western cultures.
Few people are smokers here as well.
Take Steps To Improve Your Health In September
National Cholesterol Education Month is observed in the month of September. So this is a great time to go see your doctor. Get your blood cholesterol levels checks. Also, ask your doctor what types of lifestyle changes can be made to lower your cholesterol levels naturally.
For more information, please contact Assisting Hands Houston or call us today!
