National Triglycerides Day was established in 2018. Each year, March 28th is a day set to raise awareness of what triglycerides are and why it’s important to maintain a healthy level. Did you know that you dad’s elder care provider can help him regulate his triglyceride levels?
The Importance of Triglycerides
The problem with triglycerides is that they’re necessary, so you can’t avoid having them in your blood. They store excess energy and release it as needed between meals.
When you have too many triglycerides, the fats sit in the bloodstream where they’re not needed. This poses a problem, so it’s important to have enough without having too much. Pancreatitis is one risk of having too many triglycerides in your blood.
Your Body Produces Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of lipid (fat) that your body produces. You also get them from certain foods. Triglycerides are found in red meat, egg yolks, poultry skin, butter, and fried foods. Some triglycerides are essential for proper health, but high levels increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
You dad’s elder care provider can help monitor the type of food he eats if he already has high triglyceride levels.
Certain Health Conditions Put You At Higher Risk
If you have high triglycerides, it can be tied to chronic health conditions. People with thyroid disease, obesity, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes may experience high triglyceride levels.
Medications Can Increase Triglyceride Levels
Certain medications are tied to higher triglyceride levels. If your dad is taking blood pressure medications, he should ask his doctor if they’re impacting the readings.
150 is the Highest Number
When your dad gets his blood tested to check his lipid levels, he wants to get a triglyceride level that’s not higher than 150 ml/dl. This measurement counts the amount of triglycerides in milligrams per deciliter of blood.
Genetic Link
Family history also plays a part in high triglycerides. If your dad’s parents both had high triglycerides, he may find himself experiencing the same family trait. This doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. He should talk to his doctor about the things he can do to change it.
What Can Your Dad Do?
Diet and exercise are key to lowering your dad’s triglyceride levels. He needs to cut back on red meat, fried foods, and butter. If he’s used to cooking with lard or shortening, it’s time to stop.
- Your dad needs to cut his sugar intake and avoid alcoholic beverages, too. If he’s used a couple of beers each night, it’s time to change that. Sugary fruits like dates may not be as good a choice as blackberries or blueberries.
- Make sure he’s eating plenty of fatty fish like tuna and mackerel. Avocados are also beneficial. Whole grains are also an important component in a diet designed to lower triglyceride levels.
- He needs to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. A brisk walk outside for at least 30 minutes is a great start to his exercise requirements. When the weather isn’t cooperating, consider investing in a treadmill or exercise bike that he can use inside.
Elder care aides can help him shop for appropriate foods, help him plan menus that avoid foods he shouldn’t have, and prepare meals for him. Talk to an elder care agency about meal preparation services and companionship visits.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Elder Care in San Francisco, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
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