The journey of my family to control Grandpas cholesterol

I would like to present my research about cholesterol. Its been running in my family since my

Grandfather. When I was I have memories of my Mother checking constantly on them specially

my Grandfather. My Mother was concern because Grandpa was reluctant on following doctors

instruction.

I remember Mother saying that Grandpa said This may be a mistake I cannot be this sick They

messed something up. Grandpa would not accepted it and neither Mother or the rest of my

family. Grandma was alive and she did not suffer any cholesterol but had other conditions.

My Grandpa was a very good cook always making meals for everybody. Grandma had a good

appetite and Grandpa always wanted to cook all her cravings. The family got together and had a

talk with Grandpa. All of them express their concern for his health and how the high cholesterols

level will increased the risks of having a heart attack or a heart disease. Grandpa reply with Im

too old to be in a diet Please let me live.

In the long run, he said that he was make an appointment with a different doctor and check again

because was sure someone made a mistake the results. Grandpa went to get a second opinion

and the results were the same.

Mom said that all family knew that there was not a mistake or such a thing but, Grandpa was in

denial of his condition and not willing to cooperate to at least control it.

We did another meeting in which also Grandma was included. We express that if he did not

follow the diet and exercise he was live us sooner and we did not want that to happen yet.

Grandma was willing to cooperate and follow the diet with Grandpa. She said, even though I do
not have any problems I will do it with you. Grandma will say listen to our kids they are right

stop being so stubborn. Grandpa will listen to Grandma always but, this time it was a big

challenge for him because his eating habits about red meat were disappointed.

Grandpa was a good eater, loved read meat, lamb, and fresh fish, chicken, did not like a lot of

vegetables because he as old stubborn and will say give me the meat vegetables are for the

rabbits . Grandpa does like fruits and will eating them sporadically.

I remember how hard it was for him to adjust to something new. He did not like the idea of

replacing his meals choices for doctors choice. My mother and uncles help. They clean the

fridge and got rid of all the unhealthy products. I remember mom crying and being worrying

about it. Grandpa got to the point of even go on his own to the restaurants to eat steaks.

Neighbors will tell my Mother about it.

One of those days, Grandpa told my Mother that will agree to follow the diet but it needed to be

in his terms not the doctor. He expressed his awareness of the situation and was not happy to

change his diet at 78 years old.

My Mother gathered with Grandpa and all the family to put the plan in practice. All of them will

take turns to go with Grandpa to the grocery store. Grandpa was very independent man but, will

go to the grocery store with his children. Grandma always stayed home and gave a list to

Grandpa with groceries needed.

According to my Grandpa, the doctors diet was tasteless and for girls. The routine doctor

applied was the following:

Breakfast choices: Oatmeal with honey and fruits, cottage cheese, wheat toast, papaya, yogurt,

pineapple, all seeds and nuts. Grandpa loved his peanuts.

Lunch choices: All meats grilled, included more turkey, steamy vegetables, salads, chilies,

soups, avocado, rice and beans and including a fruit with his meal.

Dinner choices: Tuna salad sandwich, pesto pizza, pesto pasta, green and beans, lasagna

veggies, salmon, black beans and also included a fruit.

Exercise: Any kind of activity he will like to do. Grandpa chose walking and playing pool.

Doctor said to Grandpa lets have a break for a while on the red meat until we are more stable

with the levels are your cholesterol. I also remember eating barley and oatmeal soups and juices

Grandma would specially make for all of us. It was tasty and Grandpa liked it. Besides the diet,

doctor prescribed medications that it was needed to control the levels.

What is cholesterol and where does it come from?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that comes from two sources:

Your body and food. Your body, and especially your liver, makes all the cholesterol you need and

circulates it through the blood. But cholesterol is also found in foods from animal sources, such

as meat, poultry and full-fat dairy products. Your liver produces more cholesterol when you eat a

diet high in saturated and Trans fats.

Grandpa was able to recover in two months. His levels got normal and sporadically he will

continue to sneak out to eat meat. Grandpa got used to eat healthier and all family cooperated to

accomplish it.
What Can Cholesterol Do?

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart

attack and stroke.

As your blood cholesterol rises, so does your risk of coronary heart disease. If you have other

risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure or diabetes, this risk increases even

further. The greater the level of each risk factor, the more that factor affects your overall risk.

Your cholesterol level can be affected by your age, gender, family health history and diet.

When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner

walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances, cholesterol can

form a thick, hard deposit called plaque that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible.

This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, a heart

attack or stroke can result.

Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol

Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the No. 1

cause of death in the United States. Over 2,100 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each

day, an average of one death every 40 seconds.

The good news is, you can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease and

stroke.

Working with your doctor is key

It takes a team to develop and maintain a successful health program. You and your healthcare

professionals each play an important role in maintaining and improving your heart health.
Work with your doctor to determine your risk and the best approach to manage it. In all cases,

lifestyle changes are important to reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. In some cases,

cholesterol-lowering statin medicines may also provide benefit.

Learn how to make diet and lifestyle changes easy and lasting. Also make sure you understand

instructions for taking medication because it won't work if you don't take it as directed.

Lifestyle Changes and Cholesterol

As part of a complete prevention and treatment program for managing your cholesterol and

lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke, your doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes.

Regardless of whether your plan includes drug therapy, you can do a number of things every day

to improve your cholesterol levels and your overall health:

Eat a heart-healthy diet

To lower cholesterol, the American Heart Association recommends eating a dietary pattern that

emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish and nuts. You

should also limit red meat and sugary foods and beverages. Many diets fit that pattern, including

the DASH short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating plan promoted by the

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and diets suggested by the U.S. Department of

Agriculture and the American Heart Association. The pattern can be easily adapted based on your

cultural and food preferences. Learn more about limiting certain fats in Know Your Fats.

Get moving

Being physically active is also important to prevent heart disease and stroke. Just 40 minutes of

aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity done three to four times a week is enough to
lower both cholesterol and high blood pressure. Brisk walking, swimming, bicycling or a dance

class is examples.

Avoid tobacco smoke

If you smoke, your cholesterol level is one more good reason to quit. And everyone should avoid

exposure to secondhand smoke.

Tips for Success

Eating a healthy diet and including exercise in your routine can give you the edge in the fight

against heart disease and stroke. Follow your doctor's advice carefully, and if you don't

understand something, ask. Let your doctor be your coach in combating heart disease and stroke.

It's your health. It's your heart.

Many people do not know their cholesterol is too high because there are usually no symptoms.

That's why it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked by your doctor.

Its vital to talk to the healthcare provider about assessing your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Cholesterol levels are an important factor in estimating your personal risk.

Visit your healthcare provider to create an action plan that will help you make important lifestyle

changes. Sometimes, medication is needed in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Who Develops Heart Failure (HF) and Why?

Heart failure is more likely to happen as we age, but anyone can develop heart failure, which is a

serious, long-term (chronic) condition. But you can live a full and active life with the right

medical treatment and the attention you pay to your lifestyle.

Understand the causes and conditions leading to HF.

Most people who develop heart failure have (or had) another heart condition first. The most

common conditions that can lead to heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure

and previous heart attack. If youve been diagnosed with one of these conditions, its critical that

you manage it carefully to help prevent the onset of heart failure.

The American Heart Association is here to help. The best thing you can do for yourself is to

follow all of your healthcare providers instructions and make any needed changes in diet,

physical activity and lifestyle. This will help give you the highest possible quality of life.

Learn more about the numbers and understand your risk.

The most important thing to remember if you are living with HF is that youre not alone. More

than 6 million Americans are living with heart failure, and over 900,000 new cases are diagnosed

each year. You can manage this condition. Learn more about the risks and costs associated with

HF.

Drug Treatment

Even if you begin drug treatment to lower your cholesterol, you will need to continue your

treatment with lifestyle changes. This will keep the dose of medicine as low as possible, and

lower your risk in other ways as well. There are several types of drugs available for cholesterol

lowering including statins, bile acid sequestrates, nicotinic acid, fibric acids, and cholesterol

absorption inhibitors. Your doctor can help decide which type of drug is best for you. The statin

drugs are very effective in lowering LDL levels and are safe for most people. Bile acid

sequestrates also lower LDL and can be used alone or in combination with statin drugs. Nicotinic
acid lowers LDL and triglycerides and raises HDL. Fibric acids lower LDL somewhat but are

used mainly to treat high triglyceride and low HDL levels. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors

lower LDL and can be used alone or in combination with statin drugs.

Once your LDL goal has been reached, your doctor may prescribe treatment for high

triglycerides and/or a low HDL level, if present. The treatment includes losing weight if needed,

increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and possibly taking a drug.

Work Cited
"American Heart Association." American Heart Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr.

2017.
"Nutrition.gov N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2017.
"Powerful ideas for a healthier world." Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. N.p.,

n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2017.

Reflection:
Make connections between what you studied in this nutrition course with what youve

learned in other courses at SLCC or before. Make specific references to your work in this

class and in the other courses. How did what you learn in the other courses enhance what

you learned in nutrition, and vice versa?

Reflect on how you thought about nutrition before you took this course and how you

think about it now that the course is over. Have any of your assumptions or

understandings changed? Why? What assignments/activities/readings were influential in

this process? How will you approach (course topic) differently in the future?

Once, not long ago, the idea of "general education" was highly appreciated and most

importantly, encouraged for the advisors at SLCC. To study the courses was a formula

and a practice which advantages richly options that could be considered a life attitude,

that mixes curiosity, memory and accumulation of effort directed to the knowledge of all

possible subjects.
However, this notion has fallen into disuse and in disrepute. It seems to me, but perhaps

I'm wrong, that now "be educated", as badly says, it looks more like an extravagance and

a rarity, as normal that the majority should have.

My idea is that the general education courses helps us to cope with what we live,

especially when experiences touch the ends of the emotions and feelings. Joy, pain,

sadness, happiness, and life situations, is living in another way when we add a reference

from someone who has a similar one transmuted by way of literature and the arts to the

fact.
To have a balanced nutrition in my life, it is necessary to take food from the three food

groups, as indicated in the pyramid of food in adequate measure for a greater extent.
For example, group of cereals and tubers, secondly, of the Group of fruits and vegetables,

and thirdly, the products of animal origin and legumes. Of these three groups, highlights

six types of essential nutrients that the body needs and should be taken daily to have

optimum nutrition; such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.

There are various diets that involve a special selection of these foods as for example the

vegetarians, the vegan, the celiac, which depend on diseases such as diabetes, etc.
We have clear examples of the consequences of poor nutrition, since as pointed out us the

World Health Organization, malnutrition is one of the most important causes considered

as key factors of mortality in the world.

In less developed countries, where a high percentage of its population suffers from

diseases or, in the worst cases people dies as a result of poor nutrition.
Before I took this class I did not realized how important nutrition was. Because of my

busy schedule and responsibilities, it was hard for me to follow a regimen of meals. Now,

I know that is not okay to skip meals and eat a good diet full of nutrients its the best

option for my health.