Cholesterol Support

There are a number of places you will want to check in order to find more help with lowering your cholesterol. Consider the following resources:

1) Your library. Your library will have many resources that can help you with lowering your cholesterol. From library books about cholesterol to cookbooks that feature heart-friendly recipes, the library should be one of your first stops when you are looking for resources.

2) Your hospital or clinic. Whether it is research studies that allow you to try new treatments for cholesterol-lowering, pamphlets about cholesterol, or experts that can answer all your questions, clinics and hospitals are a great place to find the information you need to stay healthy.

3) Professional groups. You can contact the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics of the American Dietetic Association if you need a registered dietitian to help you in choosing the right foods. You can also contact groups such as the American Heart Association or the Canadian Heart and Stroke Association for Cholesterol-healthy tips and eating guidelines and for more information about cholesterol and heart health.

These organizations also host fund-raising efforts to help raise awareness of heart issues and to raise funds for research. This can be a great way to get involved in helping to improve the lives of everyone affected by high cholesterol levels.

4) Internet newsletters and cholesterol support groups. You need to take the advice you get here with a grain of salt, but these groups are invaluable for giving you tips, recipes, and support that can make lowering your cholesterol bearable.

5) In-person support groups. These often meet at libraries or other public places and can be a good way to get support and find out how others deal with high cholesterol and cholesterol-lowering treatments and medications.

6) Computer programs. There are computer programs and planners you can buy that can prompt you to take your medication, allow you to create a computer cholesterol log, and keep track of your daily calories, fat grams, sodium intake, and cholesterol.

7) Food guides. These handy guides are sold at many bookstores and can tell you exactly how much cholesterol, sodium, fat, and other elements are contained in each food. This can make it easier for you to calculate what you are eating.

8) Medical supplies. There are counters and monitors that can help you keep track of your blood pressure and cholesterol at home. These can be handy in the long run for keeping track of your progress.

9) Cholesterol clinics. As cholesterol becomes a bigger issue, many pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics offer free workshops, information sessions, and even free cholesterol testing. Often free, these can be great resources for learning more about cholesterol and for having your cholesterol tested.

10) Pharmacies. Many pharmacists have a vast knowledge of cholesterol and heart medications, conditions, and treatments. Many pharmacies have pamphlets, booklets, and even videos that can inform you about cholesterol treatments and options. Your local pharmacy can be a great place to learn more about keeping your heart safe

11) Medical Alert bracelets. These bracelets tell health care professionals of you have heightened cholesterol, other serious conditions, or are on cholesterol medication. If you are injured or unable to speak for yourself in a medical emergency, these bracelets can tell health care professionals which treatments can help you and which can harm you. If you have been told you have elevated cholesterol, you may consider getting these inexpensive bracelets at your local pharmacy.