To promote heart health, the American Heart Association encourages Americans to increase physical activity with the aim of achieving 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week combined with strength training a couple of days per week. (Note: It may be advisable to check with your health care provider before beginning a new physical activity routine.)
Small changes can make a difference. Try adding 10 minutes of physical activity at a time. Not a fan of the gym? Instead, find activities you enjoy.
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 and 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. People with borderline high cholesterol levels, or those who have certain risk factors for coronary heart disease including diabetes, a family history of early onset heart disease, tobacco use, high blood pressure, or who are outside of their healthy weight range, may need testing done more frequently.
