Reasons why you should get your cholesterol checked

People who have high cholesterol are putting themselves at an increased risk for heart disease.
It’s important that people take action and schedule a cholesterol test to learn their numbers.
If your cholesterol numbers are high, you can work with a doctor to take steps to manage it.
If you don’t know your cholesterol level, it’s important to make an appointment with a doctor’s office or health center to get it checked. It’s also a good idea to ask for a complete lipid profile.
Prior to the cholesterol test, don’t eat or drink anything 9-12 hours beforehand – other than water or sugar-free drinks.
Remember not to eat or drink anything (except water or sugar-free drinks) for 9 to 12 hours before the test.
Cholesterol tests are often covered under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010.
In many instances the test is covered free of charge.
Consult with your insurance provider for more information.
For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com