Cholesterol Counts

More than half of Americans have elevated cholesterol levels — either high or borderline-high, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). But because high cholesterol often has no symptoms, many people with high cholesterol may not know they have it — and artery-clogging cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease.

How can you give employees valuable lessons in cholesterol control? Here are some easy-to-implement ideas from the National Cholesterol Education Program:

• Invite your workplace fitness center or an area church or school to co-sponsor a free cholesterol screening for employees.
• Ask a local supermarket or dietitian to conduct a tour of grocery aisles and teach associates how to read food labels.
• E-mail employees a link to the National Cholesterol Education Program’s online calculator for assessing their 10-year risk of heart attack.
• Set aside one afternoon each week during this month for a 30-minute team walk around workplace grounds or surrounding neighborhood. Exercise can help raise good (HDL) cholesterol levels and lower unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels.
• Hold a best-recipe contest to see who can create the best-tasting, low-cholesterol dish or dessert. Dole out $10 grocery store coupons to the top three winners — ask the store to donate the certificates in return for recognition when you announce the contest.

Teaching your employees to control their cholesterol helps reduce risk of heart disease, the No. 1 killer of both men and women. For helpful and actionable take-home information you can give to your employees, check out our brochures and posters on controlling cholestrol. Take these steps now for healthier hearts and happier employees.