'Know your numbers' for National Cholesterol Education Month

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  As National Cholesterol Education Month is observed throughout September, Hanscom personnel have a variety of resources to learn more about the effects of having high cholesterol and a chance to receive a free Cardiac Risk Profile screening.

Orlagh Pawlyk, Civilian Health Promotion Services coordinator, urges federal civilians to attend classes and schedule a free cholesterol screening as part of CHPS' special offerings during the month of September. The screening includes measures of cholesterol (HDL, LDL, and total), blood sugar, and triglycerides.

"It is very important for people to know their numbers in order to determine their risk for heart disease," she said. "Cholesterol numbers fluctuate throughout a person's life. With the screenings we offer here, people can have a record of their cholesterol levels and track them over time via our website at www.afmcwellness.com."

One way Department of Defense GS and WG employees can "know their numbers" is by attending one of the Week of Wellness offerings anytime between Sept. 10 and 17. CRP screenings will take place Sept. 10, 12 and 13 between 8 and 9 a.m. at the Fire Department, Building 1721. Another CRP screening will take place Sept. 14 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Health and Wellness Center, Building 1540.

After the Week of Wellness, CRP screenings will take place Sept. 18 from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Building 1614 lobby, Sept. 20 from 8 to 10 a.m. in the lobby of Building 1612 and again at the HAWC on Sept. 21 from 8 to 10 a.m.

Walk-ins will be welcomed based on availability, but anyone interested may schedule an appointment by emailing Pawlyk at orlagh.pawlyk.ctr@hanscom.af.mil or calling 781-225-6377. Those who are unable to attend a screening may contact Pawlyk to set up an individual appointment. In addition, anyone who fills out their online Health Risk Appraisal and brings in the certificate will receive a free T-shirt. The appraisal can be completed by logging on to www.afmcwellness.com.

"The screening is performed painlessly by finger stick and takes about five minutes," said Pawlyk.

Results are available instantly and will include measurements of cholesterol, blood sugar, triglycerides, blood pressure and body mass index.

"The important thing to remember is that there is no face of high cholesterol," Pawlyk said. "It can affect anyone, both children and adults."

Pawlyk also said that genetics play a huge role.

"Someone who doesn't know their family medical history may not know they're at risk," she said. "Having high cholesterol dramatically increases the risk of developing heart disease."

Another important step is to set goals.

"One in six adults has high cholesterol," said Pawlyk. "But many don't know what to do to lower it. I can provide tips on what to do."

For example, during classes Pawlyk discusses how cholesterol is found in animal products such as milk, cheese and, of course, meat.

"We talk about choosing options that are lower in saturated fat, such as skim milk, or picking chicken or fish instead of red meat," she said. "We also go over how certain cuts of red meat are healthier, such as a sirloin or tenderloin."

Exercise also plays an important role in lowering cholesterol, according to Pawlyk.

"Exercise boosts HDL, or your good cholesterol," she said. "HDL contains 'carrier proteins' that transport excess fat and cholesterol to the liver to be broken down."

CHPS is offering a cholesterol education class at the HAWC, Building 1540 on Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. until noon to discuss ways to lower cholesterol.

In addition to the many classes and CRP screenings offered not only during September, but throughout the year, Pawlyk also suggests personnel use information from several informative websites such as the Mayo Clinic, Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Links include http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/cholmonth/, www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/CL00002 and www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/.

To contact CHPS for further information about services offered, personnel may call 781-225-6377 or email chpshanscom@foh.hhs.gov.