health and wellness
Navigating Cholesterol: What You Need to Know for a Healthy Heart
Navigating Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a crucial substance for the body but can pose risks when levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol are too high. The American Heart Association emphasizes regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and informed care to manage cholesterol and reduce heart disease risks. Early screening in children is also vital for long-term health.
Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Navigating Cholesterol: What You Need to Know for a Healthy Heart
(Feature Impact) With so much information available, it can be difficult to understand what cholesterol is – and why it’s important.
Knowing your personal risk of developing heart disease and managing your cholesterol early through healthy habits, regular screening and informed care is key for heart and brain health.
This advice from the American Heart Association can help you understand why cholesterol matters, how to manage it and how lifestyle habits may affect your long-term heart health.
Cholesterol is Essential
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found throughout your body. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs for important jobs, such as helping to build cells and make certain hormones. The concern is having too much “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Having enough “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) in your blood can help reduce your risk.
“Cholesterol itself isn’t the enemy – our bodies need moderate levels to function,” said Roger S. Blumenthal, MD, FAHA, chair of the 2026 Dyslipidemia Guideline writing group and an American Heart Association national volunteer expert and cardiologist. “The goal is balance. Healthy lifestyle habits are a powerful step in keeping LDL cholesterol in a healthy range and protecting your heart and brain over the long term.”
Cholesterol in Your Blood vs. Cholesterol in Food
Too much blood cholesterol – the type measured on a cholesterol test – can cause plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing your risk for heart disease and stroke. Blood cholesterol levels are influenced by overall eating patterns, lifestyle habits, genetics and other health factors, not just the cholesterol found in foods. Enjoy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, unsaturated fats and lean proteins as part of an overall healthy eating pattern. Limit ultra-processed foods that are high in saturated fats, added sugars and sodium.
Know Your Numbers and Understand Your Risk
Adults ages 19 and older should have their cholesterol checked at least every five years, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
A lipid profile, or cholesterol test, is a blood test that will provide results for your HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total blood cholesterol. Other risk factors like age, family history, smoking status and more should also be considered to determine your risk of developing heart disease or stroke. Work with your health care professional to understand your results and design a treatment plan based on your risk.
Managing Cholesterol: Lifestyle is Essential
For many people, healthy lifestyle habits are the foundation of cholesterol management. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, avoiding tobacco products and managing blood pressure and blood sugar can all help support heart health.
Cholesterol-Lowering Medications
In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, some people may require cholesterol-lowering medication based on their overall risk of developing heart disease or stroke. If side effects occur, talk with a health care professional. Another medication or approach may be a better fit, and staying on the recommended treatment plan can support long-term heart health.
Cholesterol in Children
High cholesterol doesn’t just affect adults. It can begin in childhood, particularly for children with inherited conditions or other risk factors, which is why early screening is important.
Cholesterol screening is recommended for children not previously screened between the ages of 9-11 to help assess risk and guide care, along with kickstarting wellness habits such as prioritizing healthy foods, daily exercise and adequate sleep. These small lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke through adulthood.
For more information and heart health resources, visit Heart.org/KnowYourCholesterol.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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Lifestyle
If You’re Feeling Stressed by Pricey Meds, Pharmacists Can Help
Stressed by Pricey Meds? If your wallet is feeling the squeeze of prescription drug costs as other living expenses like grocery and energy prices rise, you’re not alone. That’s where a powerful ally can help you manage drug costs: a health-system pharmacist.
If You’re Feeling Stressed by Pricey Meds, Pharmacists Can Help
(Feature Impact) If your wallet is feeling the squeeze of prescription drug costs as other living expenses like grocery and energy prices rise, you’re not alone.
More people are worrying about affording essential medications these days. In fact, more than 40% of adults said they skipped doses or didn’t fill prescriptions in the past year due to cost, according to a KFF Health survey.
People who take multiple drugs to manage chronic conditions often feel this pinch even more severely. They’re also more likely to make more frequent visits to their clinic or health system for care. That’s where a powerful ally can help them manage their drug costs: a health-system pharmacist.
These medication experts work side-by-side with the clinicians who prescribe drugs in health care practices – and sometimes prescribe medications themselves. Their deep knowledge can help people get the most out of the drugs they take.
“Pharmacists really know the full picture of medications, including pricing, insurance coverage, alternative therapies and potential side effects,” said Lindsey Amerine, PharmD, chief pharmacy officer for the Cleveland Clinic. “That’s why it’s helpful to not only count on your doctor to diagnose your condition and prescribe therapies, but also your pharmacist to optimize your medications.”
Get a Comprehensive Review of Your Medications
Asking the pharmacist on your health-system care team to go over your medications may reveal opportunities to save, Amerine said. Health-system pharmacists are uniquely qualified to provide this service because they keep close track of medication costs as well as approvals of new drugs and how those compare to older options.
A full review might reveal:
- Drugs once needed may not be as useful anymore. People often continue taking medications unaware that something new could offer greater benefits or their condition no longer requires the same therapy.
- Changes in your condition may mean you could safely take a lower dosage of a drug, thereby reducing costs.
- There may be less costly alternatives that would work as well such as a generic or older medication.
Get Help Exploring Discount Options
You’ve probably heard about programs that can help lower prescription costs, including discount and patient assistance programs. Pharmacists can help you understand how to navigate these programs and access potential discount programs and opportunities, Amerine said. Here’s how:
- Pharmacists can guide you through discount programs your health system offers.
- They can check your eligibility for drug maker discounts and help you understand how those discounts work with your insurance, especially if you have a high-deductible plan.
- Pharmacists can help you navigate the various prescription cost-savings programs and how they work.
- They can also help you learn about patient assistance programs that provide free or discounted medications to people who cannot afford them.
Medications are a vital part of your health care. Before you try to stretch a costly medicine or give it up altogether, talk to the medication expert on your health care team: your health-system pharmacist. For more information, visit yourpharmacist.org.
Why It Pays to Talk Meds with a Pharmacist
“My doctor prescribed it, so I must need it.” Often this is true, but not always. People sometimes take drugs longer than they need to, at doses higher than necessary or that may interact with other medications.
Just as you’d see a heart specialist about an odd pulse rate, it can help to see a pharmacist – your medication specialist – to discuss your prescriptions.
Of all health care professionals, pharmacists have the deepest knowledge of drug interactions and safety issues. They’re experts on how the effectiveness of different medications – brand name and generic – compare. They also closely track changes in prices and know when a drug’s cost has dropped or if an effective, less costly alternative is available.
Health-system pharmacists’ expertise is especially helpful for those with multiple chronic conditions who typically take several medications with more benefits, costs and side effects to balance.
Talking with a pharmacist can ensure your prescriptions are best for you and that you have access to the most affordable options.
SOURCE:
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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Health
Is Vaping Really Safer Than Smoking? Here’s What You Should Know
Vaping may expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes, but it isn’t risk-free. Here’s what you should know about the health risks, side effects, and potential benefits of switching from smoking to vaping.
Over the past decade, vaping has become a common alternative to traditional cigarette smoking. While many people view e-cigarettes as a “healthier” option, the reality is more complicated. Experts generally agree that vaping exposes users to fewer harmful chemicals than burning tobacco, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.
Unlike traditional cigarettes, vaping devices heat a liquid—often containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals—into an aerosol that users inhale. Because there is no combustion, vaping eliminates many of the toxic substances produced by cigarette smoke, including tar and carbon monoxide. However, users are still exposed to potentially harmful chemicals and ultrafine particles that can affect the lungs and cardiovascular system.
Known Health Risks
Research has linked vaping to several potential health concerns, including:
- Nicotine addiction
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Lung irritation, coughing, and wheezing
- Exposure to chemicals such as formaldehyde and heavy metals
- Possible long-term effects on heart and lung health that are still being studied
In addition, nicotine can affect brain development in adolescents and young adults, making vaping especially concerning for younger users.
Is It Better Than Smoking?
For adults who already smoke cigarettes, many public health experts believe that completely switching to regulated nicotine vaping products is likely less harmful than continuing to smoke traditional cigarettes. That’s because cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including dozens known to cause cancer.
However, vaping is not considered safe. The greatest health benefits come from quitting nicotine altogether. People who both vape and continue smoking cigarettes may see little reduction in health risks.
Common Side Effects
Some people who vape report:
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sleep disturbances related to nicotine
The Bottom Line
If you don’t smoke, health experts recommend that you don’t start vaping. For smokers trying to quit, vaping may reduce exposure to many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes—but it should be viewed as a potential harm-reduction tool rather than a harmless habit.
Whether you smoke, vape, or are trying to quit, talking with your healthcare provider about evidence-based smoking cessation options can help you find the approach that’s right for you.
Your health is worth investing in—every step away from tobacco is a step toward a healthier future.
Related Links
- FDA — E-Cigarettes, Vapes and Other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems — Information about e-cigarettes and vaping products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Smokefree.gov — What We Know About Electronic Cigarettes — National Cancer Institute information about vaping, nicotine, potential health risks, and smoking cessation.
- American Lung Association — E-Cigarettes and Vaping — Resources covering vaping’s potential effects on lung health and nicotine addiction.
- American Lung Association — E-Cigarettes and Lung Health — A closer look at what researchers know about vaping and lung health.
- Smokefree.gov — Quit Vaping Resources — Practical information for people who want to stop vaping, including managing cravings and nicotine withdrawal.
💪 Your health journey starts here! Explore the latest health news, fitness tips, wellness trends, and healthy living advice. Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter to stay informed and inspired every day.
(Family Features) Setting the stage for success in the classroom starts with reliable morning routines the whole family can depend on. Establishing a plan for each day before heading off for work or school is beneficial for staying on time and organized, and many families’ mornings start with a nutritious breakfast.
This school year, add better-for-you breakfast recipes like Orange Oatmeal or an Orangeberry Smoothie to the menu. These morning meals are powered by 100% orange juice, a delicious option that helps fuel the body with essential nutrients that support a healthy immune system and overall diet quality with no added sugar.
“A growing number of research studies has revealed children who regularly drink 100% orange juice have higher intakes of key nutrients, higher quality diets and may have healthier lifestyle habits, like greater physical activity levels, than children who do not drink OJ,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “Study after study confirms that 100% orange juice not only has a place in the diets of children, but it can also serve as an easy way for parents to provide key nutrients without fear of adverse effects on body weight when served in moderation.”
Consider these nutritional benefits of Florida Orange Juice, “The Original Wellness Drink.”
Diet Quality
Because 1 cup of 100% orange juice counts as 1 cup of fruit, it’s an easy way to contribute to your children’s fruit intake. As a kid-favorite, it’s a nutrient-dense beverage that helps increase the intake of key nutrients including vitamin C, folate, thiamin, magnesium, potassium and, in fortified juices, vitamin D and calcium.
Immune Support
When paired with a healthy lifestyle, Florida Orange Juice has vitamin C, vitamin D (in fortified juices) and phytonutrients (naturally occurring plant compounds) and may help support a strong immune system.
- Vitamin C – Commonly associated with helping maintain and strengthen a healthy immune system by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of cells. One 6-8-ounce glass of OJ is an excellent source.
- Vitamin D – Plays an important role in regulating immune response and helps cells fight off bacteria and viruses that get into the body. One 6-8-ounce glass of fortified OJ is a good source.
- Plant Compounds, Flavonoids and Colorful Carotenoids – Work to support the immune system by helping to fight inflammation and helping cells communicate with each other, which can help strengthen immune response when encountering infection.
No Added Sugar
Unlike foods and beverages that contain added sugars, the natural sugar in 100% orange juice contains vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. As one of nature’s nutrient-rich foods, OJ is a convenient way to enhance whole fruit intake and reach daily recommendations. Plus, it can be used as a substitute for nutrient-poor foods and beverages, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, in the diets of children and adults.
Find more information and recipe inspiration at FloridaCitrus.org/OJ.
Orange Oatmeal
Servings: 4
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
- 1 cup quick cooking steel-cut oats
- 1 Florida Orange, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- In medium saucepan over high heat, bring water and orange juice to boil.
- Add oats to boiling liquids.
- Return to boil then reduce to medium heat and cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Mix in orange, agave nectar, cinnamon and salt. Remove pan from heat; let stand 1 minute before serving.
Orangeberry Smoothie
Servings: 1
- 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 4 ounces strawberry Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
- ice cubes
- 1 Florida Orange, sliced
- In blender, blend orange juice, strawberries, yogurt, milk and ice, as needed to reach desired consistency, until smooth.
- Pour into glass and garnish with orange slice.
SOURCE:
Florida Department of Citrus
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