To support heart health, the American Heart Association recommends choosing heart healthy sources of fats, which can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and promote overall heart health.
In general, this means choosing mono- and polyunsaturated fats, usually found in oils such as olive, canola, peanut, sesame and safflower, and foods such as avocados, nuts and seeds, nut butters and fatty fish.
Try having a fatty fish in the place of other protein for dinner one or two nights per week. Or, to reduce saturated fat and boost fiber, try adding beans or lentils instead of beef to a soup or stew, or try a black bean burger on a whole grain bun.
As part of American Heart Month, the University Health Center will offer cholesterol screenings (blood lipid panels) at a free or reduced rate and free blood pressure screenings Feb. 8-11 and 15-18 from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m.
Screenings are free for health-fees paid UGA students and $10 for non-fees paid UGA students, UGA faculty/staff, spouses, domestic partners, and UGA retirees. No appointment is necessary, but participants must have no food or drink except water after midnight the night before they are screened.
Current guidelines recommend that beginning at age 20, cholesterol levels be checked regularly, every five years.
Source: University Health Center
