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I can remember it like as if it was yesterday. I have been employed at a hospital for 24 years. Each year, my employer conducts a health fair. This health fair consists of health insurance vendors, universities and nurses offering health screens. In 2003, as I do every year, I went to the health fair and browsed around for about 10 minutes. I looked over at the health screening line and there was nobody in line. So, I went over to have my blood pressure checked and my finger pricked for diabetes and cholesterol screenings. I made small talk with the nurse about the weather and my children as we waited for my results to show on the small hand held screen. After a few moments, I heard the beep; I looked down to see my blood sugar was perfect. However, I glanced at the second machine to see the number 260 glaring back at me.
The nurse looked at me and said, “You have high cholesterol?” I responded, “No, not to my knowledge.” My heart began to race. She asked if she could prink my finger again. Surely, this was a mistake and this time, my perfect numbers would show up. After another screening the number showed 262. I decided to stop while I was ahead. I was advised to visit my primary care physician for follow up.
I went back to my office and began to curse the sleeve of Shortbread Girl Scout cookies that I had eaten the night before. Yes, I did say sleeve! Or could it have been the bottles of 16oz Coca-Colas that I would consume on a daily basis? Where did this come from? I have been in great health most of my life with the exception of asthma when I was young.
All In the Family
I scheduled an appointment with my physician only to confirm my high cholesterol. My physician explained that my numbers were not super high, but if I didn’t make changes I would be required to take medication.
I called my mom to have her join me in prayer. When I told her about my numbers, she responded, “Oh, it’s hereditary. I have it, your grandmother had it, and my sisters have it. We are all on medication.” I looked at the phone thinking, “This would have been good information to know.”
Let me be honest and say that I did not have a plan. I didn’t acknowledge the impact that high cholesterol could have on my body. I had no idea how to lower my cholesterol. My doctor gave me pamphlets, but it just didn’t appeal to me. My motivation was not to take a pill every day.
Each year, I would return to my physician for annual check-ups only to find that my numbers had stayed the same or went down by 4 to 5 points. I did understand that I needed to be fewer than 200. At this rate, I had a long way to go.