Cholesterol is a waxy substance. Your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. Let’s discover the common misconceptions about cholesterol.

1 – You don’t need your cholesterol checked until middle age – Doctor recommends adults age 20 and older have their cholesterol (and other risk factors) checked every four to six years as long as risk remains low.

2 – Thin people don’t have high cholesterol – Overweight people are more likely to have high cholesterol, but thin people can be affected as well.

3 – Diet and physical activity dictate your cholesterol level – Diet and physical activity do affect overall blood cholesterol levels, but so do other factors such as getting older and heredity.

4 – With medications, no lifestyle changes are needed – Medications can help control cholesterol levels, but making diet and lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet and get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week.

5 – If the Nutrition Facts label shows no cholesterol, the food is “heart healthy” – Many foods marketed as “low-cholesterol” have high levels of saturated or trans fats, both of which raise blood cholesterol.

High cholesterol contributes to a higher risk of critical illness such as heart disease and stroke. That’s why it’s important to have your cholesterol tested, so you can know your levels. Other than that, it’s  important for you to prepare yourself financially against the medical cost should you the worse happen. FWD CI First offers protection against critical illness so you can manage uncertainties with a peace of mind. Reach out to our Agent to learn more about the plan.