Before the Doctor visit
You can try:
- Coming prepared with answers to some standard questions to help doctors and nurses have the info they need to help you best
- Bringing a list of your questions and making sure to use it during the visit
- Bringing a friend or family member. Sometimes two sets of ears are better than one for hearing and remembering complicated information
- If you'll be having any tests, double-checking if it's OK to eat before the visit
During the Doctor visit
Questions you can ask:
- What is my cholesterol? What do the numbers mean?
- What are my cholesterol goals and how long will it take to reach them?
- How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
- How does exercise or smoking affect my cholesterol?
- What types of foods should I eat? Do I need to follow a special diet? Would it be beneficial to visit a registered dietitian?
- Do I need to lose weight, and if so, how much? What's the best way to lose weight?
- Will I need to take a cholesterol-lowering medication?
It's good for the doctor to know if you've never had your cholesterol levels checked. He or she may recommend a test, but if you've eaten that day, you'll most likely have to come back later for the test.
After the visit
You can try:
- Sharing results with someone close to help you both remember any important follow-up steps
- Writing results and questions down in a single place where personal health info is kept
- Not being afraid to call with additional questions you've forgotten to ask during the visit
- Looking for objective sources to keep informed on cholesterol and heart disease
- 3 grams of soluble fibre daily from whole grain oat foods, like original Cheerios* and Honey Nut Cheerios* cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Original Cheerios* cereal provides 1 gram per serving; Honey Nut Cheerios* cereal provides 0.75 gram per serving.