Thinking about cholesterol gives you the chills
It has been found in various research that, as seasons change, so does your health.

Cholesterol levels, irrespective of diet, have their ups and downs every season, however, most people’s cholesterol sky-limits during winter months.
It has been established that seasonal changes in plasma volume are largely the cause of the increase in blood cholesterol levels in the winter months, and women are mostly at risk.
According to findings by The World Health Organisation, raised cholesterol increases the risks of heart disease and strokes.
Globally, a third of ischaemic heart disease is attributable to high cholesterol.
Overall, raised cholesterol is estimated to cause 2,6-m deaths (4,5 per cent of total) and 29,7-m disability adjusted life years (DALYS), or two per cent of total DALYS.
“South Africans are at risk of heart disease due to elevated cholesterol, and the medical fraternity estimate that up to 30 per cent of patients don’t even know they are at risk,” says Peter Jordan, principal officer of Fedhealth
“It is important to regularly check your cholesterol level and, if necessary, adopt measures to lower it before it becomes a problem.”
He adds that Fedhealth’s latest updated figures for the 2012 benefit year for hypercholesterolemia indicated that the condition still rates within the top 10 conditions by frequency.
A figure of 9 649 (6.5 per cent) of beneficiaries were registered on the chronic programme for the 2012 benefit year with this condition.
“It is particularly concerning, as this disease is often a pre-cursor to more serious disorders,” he comments.
There are, however, many factors that increase the risk of having high cholesterol levels.
“While there are some risk factors you cannot control, there are other things that you can do to modify your risk.
“By making a few simple lifestyle changes, you can substantially lower your risk.
“Giving up smoking can lower your cholesterol levels, as well as to help boost your good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
“Through adding exercise to your daily routine, you can also modestly lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise your HDL.
“In addition, it will help you to shed excess weight.
“Some chronic conditions can also cause your cholesterol levels to increase; managing these conditions will also help you to manage your cholesterol levels.”
A nourishing and healthy diet is foremost to assisting you in improving your cholesterol health levels.
“Eat small, regular meals and a healthy, balanced diet, which includes a variety of fruits and vegetables (at least five servings a day) as well as foods that are high in fibre, such as whole grains and nuts,” Jordan says.
“Avoid fatty foods, especially those that are high in saturated fats, such as full-cream dairy products, meat, chicken skin and fried foods.
“Limit total salt intake to less than one teaspoon, around 5g, per day.”
There are a number of risk factors, also known as fixed risk factors, which cannot be treated.
These include a genetic predisposal, where people with close family members who have had coronary heart disease or a stroke and high cholesterol have a greater risk of high blood cholesterol levels.
The person’s gender is another determinant, as men have a greater chance of having high blood cholesterol levels than women.
In addition, Jordan explains, age is also a factor, as the older you get, your chances of developing high cholesterol increase.
Women whose menopause occurs early are also more susceptible to higher cholesterol levels, compared to other women.
Even ethnicity can determine predisposal to cholesterol, as certain ethnic groups are more susceptible to having higher cholesterol levels, compared to others.
Irrespective of if your cholesterol is hereditary or lifestyle/diet-related, it can easily be measured by means of a simple blood test.
“The bottom line is that everyone should know their numbers; people need to have their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose tested at least once a year, and more often if they have a family history of hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes or any cardiovascular disease,” concludes Jordan.