Welcome to the technological age - blogging is a new thing for me (not that I'm old...). It's never too late to learn something new.

Did you know it's National Cholesterol Awareness Month? As a phlebotomist I frequently am asked what tests are included in the patients' blood draw. It always amazes me how many people have no idea what tests their doctor has ordered - or what they may be for. My recommendation to you would be to get actively involved in your health care. Ask your doctor what panels are being drawn and what they will tell. The more you ask the more you will know.

I recently attended a preventative medical conference in Aspen and it was very sobering to me how much I still did not know about the effects of high lipids on health. Did you know that lipids can interfere with your sleep and your mood? Take a few minutes and visit the National Lipid Association website at http://www.learnyourlipids.com. Find out how much you know about lipids by taking their lipid IQ test. No cheating!!

This month I would like to encourage you to be proactive and ask your Physician for the panels you think are necessary to start your journey toward healthy aging. If you haven't done so already, this would be a good time for everyone to find out what your lipid profile looks like. The typical lipid profile consists of Total Cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and Triglycerides. Lipids are the #1 risk factor of heart disease. But don't let just the numbers fool you...50% of patients who have heart Attacks have "normal" cholesterol.

Take it a step farther and ask your doctor for a VAP test. The VAP is the most accurate and comprehensive cholesterol test available today, which details 15 separate components of blood cholesterol which is why a VAP test is critical to manage your risk for heart disease. Don't delay - your life depends on it!