Well, according to my doctor, my total cholesterol level is 200 and my triglycerides are "a little on the high side". She said the cholesterol level was fine and that she wasn’t really worried about the triglycerides — but I’m worried. According to the Lipitor project that I spent weeks — nay, months — working on, "[o]ptimal is less than 200" when it comes to total cholesterol. She didn’t break it down into HDL and LDL, but maybe I’ll call her back and ask.
This doctor is the first general practicioner I’ve been to in years (I went last week). In fact, I can’t even remember the last time I had a physical prior to this. But, the combination of 1) having health insurance, and 2) working at a health-related company, has made me take a renewed interest in my health (as if I were neglecting it before — that’s not the case), and actually find a doctor, so that I have someone with whom to talk about sensitive issues such as those in prescription drug commercials that advise, "Talk to your doctor."
So, what does this say to me? It says that maybe I should head more in the direction of "mostly vegetarian, who eats chicken once in a while" rather than the "flexitarian [buzzword alert!] who eats Chick-Fil-A several times a week" that I seem to have become. It shouldn’t be that hard. I mean, I was a real vegetarian for over 4 years (probably more like 6 years, allowing time out for the mid-2000 poultry lovefest and subsequent 20-lb. weight gain). And now that Maximo’s [they’re called Murphy’s in Texas] has opened a block away from work, I’ve been eating a veggie pita for lunch most days of the week rather than Chick-Fil-A.
I know I shouldn’t worry… I mean, overall I’m in excellent health. It was just something totally unexpected to hear, you know? Anyway, I’ll quit blathering now. (And I’m still going to allow myself a couple of Krystal burgers when the mood strikes.)
Health 101
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9 Responses to "Health 101"
Girl, what types of chicken are you eating? They are not really known for raising cholesterol. Unless you are eating deep-fried, I suppose. And remember that it is not too bad. When mine was at 200, I was able to get it down by 30 points in 6 weeks. So I have more than enough faith in you to do the same.
I’m glad to see you are taking a proactive stance with your health. Better to be preemptive than only see one when there is a problem.
CFA is deep-fried. Oh and the Krystal burgers were NOT helping. I am strictly enforcing the once per month rule now. :)
Well, like I said, I eat at Chick-Fil-A 2 to 3 times in the average week… but I have a pamphlet of their nutritional information and it really doesn’t look that bad. I usually get a Chick-Fil-A sandwich with no butter, and a fruit cup. But I’ve been eating less Chick-Fil-A since Maximo’s opened.
I also loooove these broccoli-stuffed frozen chicken breasts they sell at Sam’s and Publix… let me see if Google will turn up a link… ah, it did! Here ya go.
And other than that, I can’t think of much else I eat in the way of meat, aside from the occassional salad with grilled chicken on it (though I usually get salads without meat), and of course my weakness every once in a while, Krystals (not sure if those can really be called meat… but they certainly can’t be called healthy).
Of course, it could just be a fluke… I was going to blame it on the greasy food from the baseball game Saturday, but then I realized I went to the doctor before Saturday. Hmm. Maybe when I’m 40 I’ll end up being one of those people in a Crestor commercial for whom “diet and exercise aren’t enough”. ;-) Anyway, longest comment ever… and I think I’ll call my doctor back tomorrow morning just for the heck of it.
Update: I called my doctor this morning… I was able to talk to her nurse, who didn’t have my chart… so the nurse said she’s going to get the chart from Dr. Rhee (yes, her last name is almost the same as mine) and call me back, but it might be tomorrow before she can get back to me. Anyway… waiting.
Well, let’s all just hope you don’t keel over between now and then.
I’m getting really, really hungry now. And I was trying to skip dinner since it’s almost time for breakfast.
I don’t understand what you are worried about, Amber. It’s Lipitor that gave you this number, so that’s already suspect. Second, suppose the number is right, and that optimal is less than 200. That means you are on the cusp of being optimal. And you already did notice that you can easily drop the cholesterol if you need to.
What you need is a little Pikmin in your life.
My doctor still hasn’t called back. Hmm.
A couple of guys at work were ribbing me about the cholesterol thing after hearing about Pres. Clinton’s impending bypass surgery (lets all keep our thoughts and prayers with him, btw). I didn’t find it appropriate. But I better not write about work lest I get fired.
http://www.ethelmae.com/yourvoice/messages/39635.shtml complimentwhosewondered