Are you at risk?

• Cardiovascular disease increases with age. For men, age becomes a major risk factor at 45 years; for most women, at 55 years.

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• A family history of premature heart disease is also a risk factor. (Premature heart disease is defined as heart attack before age 55 in a father or other close male relative, or before age 65 in a mother or other close female relative.) Although we can't do anything about the genes we're born with, we can reduce the other risk factors.
• High cholesterol
• Low HDL (An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or more is a "negative" risk factor--which means it protects against heart disease.)
• High homocysteine levels
• High levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation
• High levels of fibrinogen, may stimulate formation of blood clots
• Excess of thromboxane A2, may stimulate formation of blood clots
• High fasting insulin levels
• High lipoprotein levels
• Chronic low-grade bacterial and viral infections
• Cigarette smoking
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Low intake of antioxidants

If you've checked off just one factor, you ARE AT RISK.

Rule out subclinical hypothyroidism

Countless numbers of people are out there struggling with high cholesterol caused by underlying hypothyroidism. In fact, as Mary J. Shomon reports in Living Well With Hypothyroidism (Avon Books, Inc. NY, 2000), some people with cholesterol levels of 300 to 500, experience a return to normal or slightly elevated levels, once their hypothyroidism is treated.

If you have high cholesterol that is not responding to diet hypothyroidism may be a factor. But if you think your doctor has already ruled it out you should think again. Conventional doctors can't be trusted on this because the lower end of the "normal" thyroid range reported on a standard lab test is low enough to be a cause of high cholesterol.

It is easy to rule out hypothyroidism by measuring your basal body temperature, as developed by Broda Barnes, M.D. Here's how:

Use an oral glass/mercury thermometer to measure your own basal body temperature (BBT). You may do it one of two ways, in the armpit or in the mouth.

1. Shake the thermometer down before going to bed, and leave it on your night table or within reach.
2. As soon as you wake up, with a minimum of movement, put the thermometer in your armpit, next to bare skin, and leave it in place for 10 minutes. Record the readings for three to five consecutive days. Or, simply use the standard oral procedure and put the thermometer in your mouth.
3. Women who still have their menstrual period should not test on the first five days of their period but can begin on day five.
4. Men and girls and women who are not menstruating can test any time of the month.
5. Normal temperatures immediately upon wakening in the morning (while still in bed) range from 97.8 to 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. A temperature below 97.8 indicates hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
7. A temperature above 98.2 indicates hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

If you have low thyroid you must take a thyroid hormone.

You can try self-treatment by ordering natural thyroid hormone from International Antiaging Systems, http://www.antiaging-systems.com/, or going to a doctor who is knowledgeable about natural medicine.

Check the Thyroid Top Docs Directory, a state-by state and international listing of top doctors for thyroid disease: http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/index.htm

Diet and exercise certainly help, but if you or a loved one has high cholesterol, we want you know about Policosanol. This new, natural product has been proven safer and more effective than statin drugs in dozens of studies. You can be assured you won't be suffering from any secondary illnesses down the road, or any of the common side effects associated with cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Get moving! Exercise!

Why is Exercise Important?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that inactivity is the most important factor responsible for CCVD. It is twice as important as high cholesterol levels, and four times more important than high blood pressure. Consequently, exercise reduces the risk of dying from a heart attack and it is an effective method of rehabilitation in people who have suffered from a heart attack.

What can aerobic exercise do for me?

• Lower high blood pressure
• Lower total serum cholesterol levels, increase HDL "good" cholesterol, and lower triglyceride levels 48
• Help you control your weight
• Improve heart function by promoting beneficial changes in the structure and function of the coronary arteries—which provide oxygen to the heart muscle
• Alleviate muscle pain and improve capability of walking in people who suffer from peripheral arterial disease
• Strengthen your heart and lungs
• Prevent and control diabetes
• Stimulate your entire body, encouraging optimum circulation, heart strength, lymphatic drainage and lung power. And the cleaner your arteries, the sharper your brain! Dutch researchers tested more than 5,000 people and found that those with the cleanest arteries also had the sharpest minds. Keep your arteries clean with a diet consisting of healthy fats, low-starch whole foods, lean protein and plenty of exercise!

Here are some ideas to get you going:

• If you've been living a couch-potato existence, begin with 10 to 20 minutes of exercise per session and then gradually go up to 30 to 60 minutes. Devote at least three times a week, then build up to five times per week.¹ 
• Buy your self a new pair of athletic shoes that do an excellent job of supporting your feet and ankles.
• Park at the end of the parking lot so you have to walk farther (assuming the lot is a safe one.) Walk the entire length of the mall before you enter any stores. Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Plan to walk the neighborhood with a friend. It's easier to get out and do it when you know someone is expecting you to show up.
• Dance the night away. Folk, ballroom, flamenco, rag, tango, disco, ballet, jazz, contra, square, and country line dance. The possibilities are endless. Dance is a wonderful way to exercise without watching the clock. It's also a terrific way to meet people! If you're shy put on some music and grab a partner. Or rent a dance video and boogie with yourself.
• Hike into the wild, blue yonder. Whether you live in the southwest desert, southeast wetlands or northeast mountains, there's bound to be a hiking trail nearby. Put on a pair of sturdy shoes, sun block, and get out and enjoy nature. It'll clear your mind and boost your energy.
• Take a martial arts class — karate, judo, kung fu, tai chi, kickboxing.
• If you're competitive, get into team sports—hockey, basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, tennis, handball, fencing.
• Enjoy the snow? Get into ice skating, cross-county skiing, down-hill skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding.
• If you're a fair weather person, there's always biking, in-line skating, swimming, jogging, gardening, and golfing (forego the cart, please).

The list is endless. Find something you like, get into a rhythm, and stick with it! But please, for safety's sake, get your health care professional's approval before starting any exercise program.

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References

Articles of Interest from Smart Publications Health & Wellness Update

• D-Ribose: The New Heart Smart Cellular Energy Enhancer
• Give Your Heart The Healthy Herbs and Nutrient Fuel It Needs!
• Policosanol: Lower Cholesterol Without the Hazards of Toxic Statin Drugs