Three ways to improve your health during National Cholesterol Education Month

September is back-to-school season and the conclusion of summer, but it also plays host to numerous health observances including National Cholesterol Education Month. With 71 million Americans reporting high LDL levels and only 1 in 3 having the situation under control, cholesterol issues can dramatically increase their risk of heart disease and stroke unless major changes are made in the future.

If you’re ready to take charge of your overall health, National Cholesterol Education Month is the time to do it and FSAstore.com can help you get there! With our

extensive selection of FSA eligible products, you can finally realize the full potential of your employee benefits!

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is necessary for proper bodily function, but when it exceeds optimal levels, it can begin to form blockages in the walls of arteries, which can lead to myriad

potential health problems.

Cholesterol is broken up into two categories – high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is considered the “bad” cholesterol and is the main contributing factor to plaque formation, while HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol that regulates LDL levels in the body and carries LDL away from the arteries and filters it through the liver.

How can I lower my cholesterol with an FSA?

National Cholesterol Education Month is the ideal time to make an appointment with your physician and take stock of your overall health.

Here are two ways that you can regulate your cholesterol levels:

Quit smoking

• Tobacco smoke is known to lower HDL levels, which can lead to a rise in LDL levels and the health complications that come along with it. Eliminating smoking can reduce your risk for countless health problems, and if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), your tax-free funds can cover qualifying

  smoking cessation products that can put you on the road to kicking the habit.

Exercise

• Moderate physical activity can help raise HDL cholesterol levels in the body, even if you exercise for just 30 minutes each day. In addition to being beneficial for your long-term health, regular exercise can help you achieve an optimal weight, provide a boost to your energy level and can even improve your mood.