Cholesterol Awareness Month
High cholesterol is major risk factor for developing heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. There are no warning signs of high cholesterol, which is why it’s important to get regular screenings. Baylor offers a free guide for tips and comprehensive information on managing your cholesterol.
“Cholesterol” refers to a fatty lipid in your body and blood tissues. There are two types, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The HDL cholesterol rids the body of excess cholesterol build-up, and the LDL carries it back into the body for use by the cells. When you have high LDL levels, cholesterol can build up in your blood stream, potentially leading to heart disease and other health issues.
There are a few contributing factors to high cholesterol which you can control, including:
Diet: A diet high in saturated and trans-fats can lead to high LDL levels. The most common culprits are animal fats, such as beef, lamb and whole dairy products. Incorporating lean meats, soy, reduced-fat dairy and fresh produce is one of the best ways to reduce bad cholesterol.
Exercise: Exercise can actually lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise your good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Start your routine off slowly and gradually build up to daily regimen.
Weight: This goes hand-in-hand with diet and exercise. Obesity increases the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and myriad of other health complications. Maintaining a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine will help you lose excess weight.
Beginning at age 20, everyone should have cholesterol screenings every five years. If you have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about being screened earlier. To find a physician, search online or call 1.800.4BAYLOR.
New Car Seat Laws in Effect This Month
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages 2 to 14. Beginning September 1st, the Texas Child Occupant Safety law will take effect in hopes of reducing the number of fatalities and injuries to children in motor vehicle accidents.
Toddlers and pre-school-aged children are not typically ready to transition into seat belts as they are specifically designed for adults. The new law requires a transitional booster seat to be used based on height and age considerations. Here are some key points to remember about the new car seat laws:
- Once a child reaches eight (8) years old, they are not legally required to be in a child safety seat system.
- If the child is younger than eight years old, BUT they are already 4’9” tall, they are not legally required to be in a child safety seat system.
- If the child is eight years old or older and not yet 4’9” tall, they are not legally required to be in a child safety system.
To learn more about this new law, download a PDF from Our Children’s House.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Each year, there are more than 21,000 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed and more than 14,000 deaths from this silent disease. Ovarian cancer develops slowly and the likelihood of developing it can rise significantly if there is a family history. Baylor offers a hereditary cancer risk program which provides information about a person’s risk for developing ovarian cancer, genetic counseling and other services to help in early detection and risk reduction.
Ovarian cancer begins in the tissues of the ovary, or the female reproductive organ where eggs are formed. It usually occurs in women over 50, but can affect younger women as well. Like many cancers, the sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better a woman’s chance for recovery. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent if caught early.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be rather indistinct, but may include pain in the abdomen or pelvis, frequency of urination, bowel habit changes or ongoing fatigue. If you experience two or more of the symptoms listed above, consult your physician.
To find a cancer specialist, a support group or event, search online or call 1.800.4BAYLOR.