Learning About Cholesterol Education Materials

If you're looking for informative cholesterol education materials, check out the resources produced by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). This organization was created in 1985 as an adjunct to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The goal of the NCEP is to provide quality cholesterol education materials for both healthcare professionals and the general public. Their publications stress the connection between cholesterol and the increased risk of coronary heart disease. By raising awareness of cholesterol levels, this group hopes to lower cholesterol levels across the country.

Types of Information

Cholesterol education materials usually have a two-pronged approach. The first step involves offering printed materials that explain the key terms and their importance to a person's health. Understanding what cholesterol is, and how the body produces and uses it, is a first step in making the connection to a healthier lifestyle. Once these basic concepts are grasped, a person usually feels motivated to adopt dietary or exercise changes to reach ideal levels of cholesterol.

The second stage in cholesterol education is offering materials that provide practical ways of lowering bad cholesterol. Since the first steps in achieving desired levels of cholesterol begin with a dietary approach, cholesterol education materials include diet plans that are practical to follow and are designed with both taste and nutrition in mind. Physical activity is also a major part in lowering cholesterol, and materials for cholesterol education describe realistic ways of adding exercise to your life. There are printed guidelines for understanding your ideal body weight, based on several factors, as well as the encouragement to lose those pounds and improve the health of your heart.

Cholesterol education materials are even available for parents to monitor the diets of their younger children. Although higher cholesterol levels have been traditionally associated with the elderly, poor diets and sedentary lifestyles are causing this medical condition to be seen in much younger age groups. Being aware of the dangers of cholesterol, and establishing a healthy diet and exercise program at an earlier age can bring lifelong benefits.

To become better educated about cholesterol, seek out materials that will clearly define the medical benefits of lowering cholesterol, while giving you practical ways of achieving this goal. The NCEP is one organization whose goal is to reach many people with the simple message of knowing your cholesterol level and then lowering that level if it's too high. The best part about cholesterol education materials is realizing that you're not alone in this battle against bad cholesterol. Armed with these resources, you will be a better and healthier patient.