Athens, Ga. – The University Health Center will offer UGA students, faculty and staff cholesterol screenings on Feb. 8-11 and Feb. 15-18, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.No appointment is necessary. The lipid profile results will provide the total cholesterol, including the HDL/LDL breakdown (the “good” and “bad” cholesterol), and triglyceride level.Testing is free for students and $10.00 for faculty and staff.
Participants should not eat anything after midnight the night before the test. It is important to drink plenty of water to stay fully hydrated at the time blood is drawn.Results will be mailed at the end of February.Participants must bring a current UGA ID or picture ID.
Students may think they are too young to worry about cholesterol.Angie Ruhlen, health center nutritionist and registered dietitian, contends that it’s always a good idea for students to know their cholesterol count.“A recent study shows that one out of ten students may have high cholesterol or elevated triglycerides,” Ruhlen said.“That could lead to early heart disease, heart attack or stroke.If you do find out your levels are high, it can be reversed by diet, lifestyle changes or medication.”
Students can make an appointment to see Ruhlen to discuss individual lifestyle changes that can provide health benefits by calling 706/542-8690.Additional information can be found on the UHC website at www.uhs.uga.edu.