September 7, 2008

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• National Cholesterol Education Month
• Bonus Challenge
• What's New on the WAT?

Welcome to week 10 of the WOMAN Activity Tracker! Every 5 weeks you will receive an e-mail from the WOMAN Activity Tracker Team that includes program features, health tips, and the newest Bonus Challenge information.

National Cholesterol Education Month

Know Your Cholesterol Numbers—Know Your Risk!

September is recognized as National Cholesterol Education Month!

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all parts of the body. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and cause blood clots. Cholesterol can clog your arteries and keep your heart from getting the blood it needs. This can cause a heart attack.

There are two types of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called the "bad" type of cholesterol because it can clog the arteries that carry blood to your heart. For LDL, lower is better. Less than 100mg/dL is best.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as "good" cholesterol because it takes the bad cholesterol out of your blood and keeps it from building up in your arteries. For HDL, higher is better. More than 60 mg/dL is best.

Learn more about what your cholesterol and triglyceride numbers mean.

How can I lower my cholesterol?

• Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, losing weight can help lower your total cholesterol and LDL ("bad cholesterol") levels. Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to see if you are at a healthy weight. If not, try making small changes like eating an apple instead of potato chips, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking farther away from the entrance to your office, the grocery store, or the mall. (But be sure to park in a safe, well-lit spot.)
• Eat better. Eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.
• Get moving. Exercise can help lower LDL and raise HDL ("good cholesterol"). Exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Take a brisk walk on your lunch break or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Take your medicine. If your doctor has prescribed medicine to lower your cholesterol, take it exactly as you have been told to.

Learn more

• FAQ on Heart Disease
• FAQ on Heart Healthy Eating
• Cut Down on Fat - Not on Taste!
• Heart Healthy Diet
• Heart Health & Stroke
• Heart Truth Campaign: Awareness and Prevention

Bonus Challenge

Earn an extra point and move along your route quicker! Take the 5 question quiz, "Know Your Cholesterol Numbers—Know Your Risk!", to test your cholesterol knowledge.

Take the Quiz!

What's New on the WAT?

Do you have questions about your progress and scoring? Do you wonder how you will be moved along your virtual route or what happens when you reach the end of your route? Answers to these questions and many more can be found in the WOMAN Activity Tracker Help Center!

Content last updated September 7, 2008.