CHOLESTEROL, BEWARE. Get Checked and Keep It Down

High cholesterol is serious. And common. In the U.S., 12% of adults over age 20—and 7% of kids—have high cholesterol. There are no symptoms, so many people don’t even know they have it.

If left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, chest pain, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

What’s your risk? It’s higher if you have certain health conditions (such as diabetes or obesity), you eat a high-fat diet, smoke, or have a family history of high cholesterol. While you can’t control everything, here’s what you CAN do to lower your risk:

  • Eat foods that are low in saturated fat, salt, and added sugars. For example, choose lean meats, seafood, low-fat dairy foods, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Lose weight if you are overweight. Excess body fat slows down your body’s ability to remove LDL (“bad”) cholesterol from your blood.
  • Get 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every day.
  • If you drink alcohol, limit it two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
  • If you smoke, quit.

The only way to know your cholesterol level is to get a simple blood test. Ask your doctor to order a blood test for you, then follow up with a visit (in-person or virtual) to discuss your results. There are many effective medications that can help lower cholesterol if lifestyle changes aren’t enough.

Just don’t put it off—because high cholesterol often leads to something worse.

Resources

WHAT IS A HEALTH TRUST? Discover the Advantages for You

Did you know that the Trust was created by members, for members? Its purpose has always been to offer members high-quality health care benefits at a reasonable cost.

Unlike an insurance company, which exists to make a profit, the Trust is a non-profit entity. The Trust gives you many advantages an insurance company cannot:

  • It’s run by you and for you. The Trust is managed by volunteer employees who represent Portland Public Schools and the participating labor unions (PAT, PFSP, ATU and DCU).
  • It saves you money. Although health care costs keep rising, the Trust’s reserves offset the amount you pay, keeping your monthly contributions low.
  • It offers the benefits you want. The Trust gives you options, so you can choose the coverage that’s best for you and your family.

Watch our short video to learn how every member can help keep their Trust strong by using benefits wisely.

DO A BENEFIT CHECKUP: Choose the Best Benefits for You

Do you know how easy it is to view your current benefit selections online? Take a minute to review the benefits you’ve already selected and your enrolled dependents, so you’re ready to make solid choices for the next Plan Year.

Active Employees: Go to selfservice.pps.net and log in using your PPS username and password. (To access Employee Self-Service for the first time, you must complete a 2-step authentication process while connected to the PPS Wi-Fi network (ppswifi) which requires you to be in or near a PPS building.)

Substitute Teachers and Early Retirees: Log in at edge.zenith-american.com. (Create an account if you’re not yet registered.)

Get ready for Open Enrollment with these short videos:

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