One in five teens in the United States have unusual cholesterol. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also states that more than 40% of obese teens have abnormal cholesterol. It is becoming more and more highly recommended that teens undergo cholesterol testing to evade the risk of heart disease.
Teens have experienced their arteries become firmer and harder and even atherosclerosis. Screenings should be done every 5 years starting when an individual reaches the age of 20. If the screenings show irregular cholesterol levels the regularity of the screenings should be amplified to every one or two years. Counseling may also be recommended for the individual to be encouraged to make lifestyle changes in order to keep ones cholesterol at a steady level.
If you have high levels of cholesterol you should:
• Reduce your intake of saturated fat
• Reduce your calorie intake by at least 7 percent
• Increase the amount of fiber you consume by 5 or more grams daily
• Lessen your cholesterol intake to under 200 milligrams daily
• Try herbs and other products said to lower your cholesterol such as green tree extract, garlic, flaxseed, and fish oil.
In the past, it was genetics which caused children to be suspected of having cholesterol problems, but currently, weight is included in the criteria. Because of obesity, illnesses which were only thought to be applicable to adults are now becoming more frequently found amongst children.
