Cholesterol education at the worksite

Abstract

1. Risk factors for coronary heart disease include age, sex, family history, high cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, and severe obesity. The last four risk factors can be modified with lifestyle changes. 2. Occupational health nurses who provide primary care to workers can assist employees in detecting and treating their elevated cholesterol. Cholesterol screening at the workplace is an effective means for employees to learn their cholesterol level or monitor their dietary progress in lowering their cholesterol. 3. Employees can modify their eating behaviors by developing the skills to make wise dietary choices. Simple dietary self assessment and self monitoring tools will aid employees in monitoring and evaluating their efforts. 4. To successfully implement a cholesterol education program and counsel employees, occupational health nurses need to increase their knowledge of nutrition, specifically the composition of a diet that will help reduce the risks associated with heart disease.