September is National Cholesterol Education Month, and it is estimated more than 35 million Americans suffer from high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and many foods. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally, but too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries. After a while, these deposits narrow your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke.

High cholesterol usually doesn’t have any symptoms. As a result, many people do not know that their cholesterol levels are too high. However, a simple blood test can be done to check your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can be controlled through lifestyle changes or if it is not enough, through medications. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. If you think you may be at risk for high cholesterol, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What do my Cholesterol Numbers Mean?

After having your cholesterol checked, you should be given a document that lists your results.  There are four basic values provided to all patients:

• Total Cholesterol (TC)
• Triglycerides (TG)
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL).

Interestingly, all these numbers are related by a simple equation: TC = HDL + LDL + (TG/5)

Total Cholesterol involves all elements of your body’s cholesterol and gives you an overall idea of where you are.  The goal for TC is <200mg/dl.  HDL, also known as the good cholesterol, should be >40mg/dl in men and >50mg/dl in women.  LDL, or the bad cholesterol, should be <100mg/dl.  Finally, the goal for TGs is <150mg/dl. (all goals according to the National Institutes of Health)

The value that is elevated will determine your treatment recommendations.  LDL is the primary number that physicians look at to determine the need for drug therapy.  Make sure to discuss your results with your physician is any of the values is elevated.

Why Immunize? The question that has caused so much controversy over the past few years.

The short answer – by getting immunized, you are helping to protect those in our community who are most vulnerable to various viruses. Young children, the elderly, and those who are struggling with compromised immune systems, are all at a higher risk of developing serious complications that accompany preventable diseases. With it being back-to-school time, it becomes especially important for everyone to receive their immunizations, as daycares, classrooms, and dorms all become a petri dish of bacteria due to constant interaction within a large group of people.

Stop The Leak

It is true that some diseases (such as polio and diptheria) are becoming more and more rare in the United States. This is because we continue to get immunized to protect ourselves from these diseases. It’s much like bailing out a boat with a slow leak. When we started bailing, the boat was filled with water. But everyone has been working together, bailing fast and hard, and now the boat is almost dry. We could say, “Good. The boat is dry now, so we can throw away the bucket and relax.” But the leak hasn’t stopped. Before long we’d notice a little water seeping in, and soon it might be back up to the same level as when we started.

Unless we can “stop the leak” (eliminate the disease), it is important to keep immunizing. The recent anti-vaccination movement has delayed the elimination of diseases as more of the population has decided to stop helping bail out the boat – allowing some viruses to seep back in.

Even if there are only a few cases of certain diseases today, if we take away the protection given by vaccination, more and more people will become infected and will spread disease to others. Soon we will undo the progress we have made over the years.*

Facts about Immunizations:

• Diseases are becoming rare due to vaccinations. However, it’s critical that we continue to immunize until the disease is eliminated.
• Vaccinations help to protect our children, their classmates, and their classmate’s families.
• Vaccines, like all medication, can cause a reaction. However, many children never have a reaction. For those who do, most reactions will be minor such as a sore leg, a slight rash, or a mild fever that goes away in a day or two.
• Vaccinations are one of the best ways to put an end to the serious effects of certain diseases.

We offer vaccinations daily, with no appointment needed. We provide influenza, pneumonia, shingles, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and meningitis vaccinations for ages 12 and over without a prescription. Our pharmacists can immunize anyone under age 7 with a doctor’s prescription.

Please feel free to contact us for any questions you may have regarding immunizations.

*cdc.gov