If there was a simple way to reduce your cholesterol without medication, would you try it?
How does taking a walk sound?
Being physically active is a great way to reduce your cholesterol. Exercise (like walking), along with eating healthy foods and losing weight if you need to, are keys to keeping cholesterol numbers in check.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all cells of the body. Your body does need some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help with food digestion. Cholesterol is also found in some of the foods you eat.
LDL (low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol sometimes is called "bad" cholesterol. A high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries, a major cause of heart disease. Think of LDL as the "lousy" cholesterol.
HDL (high-density lipoproteins) cholesterol sometimes is called "good" cholesterol as it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver, which removes the cholesterol from your body. A higher level of HDL decreases the risk for heart disease.
How does high cholesterol affect heart health?
High cholesterol often leads to coronary heart disease, a condition in which plaque builds up inside the heart's arteries. Plaque hardens over time and narrows the heart's arteries, restricting blood flow. It also leads to dysfunction of the cells lining the arteries walls. Plaque can rupture, causing a heart attack. Plaque that builds up in the body's other arteries can lead to stroke.
Eating a healthy diet, managing your weight and getting enough physical activity are ways to reduce the cholesterol in your blood. Some people also take medication if these lifestyle changes do not lower their cholesterol levels. Speak to your doctor before beginning any new exercise routines.
Is walking good physical activity?
Regular physical activity (30 to 40 minutes on most, if not all, days) is recommended for most adults. Regular physical activity can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
What is Walk with a Doc?
Doylestown Health has partnered with the Walk with a Doc exercise program to encourage healthy physical activity for our community. Created by an Ohio cardiologist to promote wellness, the program is growing across the country as hospitals and physicians come on board to improve the well-being of their neighbors.
Walk with a Doc is offered once a month. Each event features a Doylestown Health clinician sharing health tips on topics like heart disease prevention, nutrition and fitness, followed by a 30- to 45-minute walk around the Doylestown Hospital campus. Walkers are encouraged to go at their own pace (it's not a race!). Walk with a Doc walking events are free and open to the public. This event is sponsored by Doylestown Health's Friends of the Heart Institute, an all-volunteer organization committed to advancing the highest quality cardiac care to patients and their families.
Walk With A Doc is offered on the third Wednesday of every month. Register online or call 215-345-2121 to participate in an upcoming event.