What’s the Buzz on Cholesterol?

The Buzz on Cholesterol!

We’ve all heard Buzz the Bee inform us that Honey Nut Cheerios will help us lower our cholesterol – have you ever stopped to think what cholesterol is and why it should be low? Well, you’ve come to the right hive! Let’s discover what all the buzz is about.

A busy bee!

Cholesterol is a waxy substance circulating in our blood that our body needs to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. It comes from our liver and the foods we eat from animals (meat, poultry, and dairy products).

Some tropical oils (palm, palm kernel, and coconut) found in baked goods also increase bad cholesterol. These foods are typically high in saturated and trans fat, which cause our liver to make more cholesterol. This increase can push some people to an unhealthy level.

20,000 types of bees and 2 types of cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: bad LDL and good HDL. Too much LDL, or not enough HDL, increases cholesterol levels. This causes a buildup in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain, narrowing the arteries and making them less flexible. This can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible – a condition known as atherosclerosis. If a blood clot forms and blocks one of these narrowed arteries, a heart attack or stroke can result.

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. If you have other risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes, your risk increases even more.

The 3 C’s of Cholesterol

When it comes to cholesterol, it’s important to check, change and control.

• Check your cholesterol levels every 4 to 6 years. Know your numbers and assess your risk – here is how you can do just that!
• Change your diet and lifestyle to help improve your levels.
  • Cooking for lower cholesterol – check out these tips!
  • Get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week – here are some recommendations!
  • Quit smoking.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Limit alcohol intake.
• Control your cholesterol with help from your doctor if needed – check out the American Heart Association’s cholesterol tools and resources.

If you’re buzzing for more information, check out this short, informative video on how to manage high cholesterol.

Community Hero Spotlight – Sandra Foisy, Drama teacher at Herrera Elementary and Community + Support member at Only Human 

“My name is Sandra and my favorite thing about the human experience is connecting and building community. Every person deserves to feel like they belong and I feel excited that I get to make people feel this way in all that I do. Currently I am a drama teacher at Herrera and help build community within Only Human.

My favorite pledge is “Be Encouraging” because I want everyone to be able to feel like there are people in their corner cheering them on. I love to see people reach their goals. I think we all shine a little brighter when we are encouraged.”