MHP offers free “Introduction to Cholesterol” class on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – According to the American Heart Association (AHA), too much bad cholesterol or not enough good cholesterol can increase your risk of a cardiac event. But how do you improve your cholesterol levels?
Mahaska Health Partnership is sponsoring a free class, “Introduction to Cholesterol” on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 1 to 3 pm at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa. Attendees can learn the basics of cholesterol and why it’s so important, as well as how to improve cholesterol through lifestyle changes.
“Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in your blood,” explained MHP Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Renee Edgar. “However, too much cholesterol can be a problem. By keeping your cholesterol levels healthy, you are lowering your chances of getting heart disease or having a stroke.”
The American Heart Association recommends all adults age 20 or older have their cholesterol, and other traditional risk factors, checked every four to six years.
Edgar said having your cholesterol checked is important because high cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke. If you have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or you smoke, the risk increases even more.
According to the AHA, there are a number of misconceptions regarding cholesterol and learning the truth can help save lives. “This class is designed to help people learn the basics regarding cholesterol. I will be there, along with MHP Registered Dietitian Lea Rice, and we will answer your questions and help clear up any misconceptions.
“We will also provide great tips and suggestions to help you make healthy lifestyle choices that will help control cholesterol levels,” Edgar said.
This class is free, but pre-registration is required by calling 641.672.3174.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
