Nutrition Q&A: The highs and lows of good nutrition

McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) - September is Cholesterol Awareness Month. Here's a quiz to help you figure out your awareness level. Answer the following statements true or false.

1. Everyone older than 20 should have a cholesterol screening at least every five years.

2. Total cholesterol is a combination of your LDL and HDL.

3. LDL is the good cholesterol; HDL is the bad.

4. In general, the LDL goal for healthy people is below 160.

5. Women should aim for an HDL level of 50 mg/dL or higher and men should shoot for 40 mg/dL or higher.

6. A diet heavy in refined carbohydrates and alcohol and/or a sedentary lifestyle contribute to high levels of triglycerides.

7. A good goal for triglycerides is a level of less than 150 mg/dL.

8. Taking cholesterol-lowering drugs is not a substitute for appropriate lifestyle and diet modifications.

_Source: Nutrition Data, http://blog.nutritiondata.com

Answers: 1. True; 2. True; 3. False; 4. True; 5. True; 6. True; 7. True; 8. True

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