Blood Checks Lead to Healthier Lifestyle

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	030529-N-4096B-001 Newport R.I. (May 29, 2003) -- U.S. Navy Lt. Laura Hartjen releases a tourniquet band from the arm of Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Simpson after taking a blood sample. Naval Station Newport’s Health Promotions Department is visiting Naval Reserve Readiness Command Northeast to draw fasting blood sugar and cholesterol specimens from participating personnel. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Steve Bansbach. (RELEASED)

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Blood Checks Lead to Healthier Lifestyle
Story Number: NNS030604-14
Release Date: 6/5/2003 2:02:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) Steven Bansbach, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Northeast Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- By living up to their motto, putting prevention into practice, Health Promotions at Naval Station Newport, R.I., stopped by Naval Reserve Readiness command to do an annual cholesterol and glucose check on servicemembers willing to give blood.

According to Navy Nurse Lt. Laura Hartjen, “Heart disease and diabetes are becoming an epidemic. With this screening, our primary focus is prevention of the two biggest killers in the country."

Personnel were reminded to not eat or drink anything after midnight, so test results would be accurate. Once the hospital has the results, a dietician meets with everyone individually on how to prevent high cholesterol or how to lower your risks.

When the blood is taken back to the lab, it is spun down, and the cholesterol and glucose are separated.

“There will be a total cholesterol count, a LDL and HDL cholesterol count and a triglycerides count," said Hartjen.

But not all cholesterol is bad.

"LDL cholesterol is bad. You can get that from red meats, organ meat, milk products, just to name a few. The HDL is the good kind of cholesterol; you can raise that by participating in aerobic activity. Your triglycerides are determined by your weight, alcohol consumption and concentrated sweets," Hartjen noted.

This blood draw is just another way that health promotions is educating personnel and helping them live a longer, healthier life.

“The more the know, the better off they'll be, living a longer healthier life. Prevention is the key,” Hartjen said.

Contact your local health promotions if you would like to have a blood draw at your local command or if you would like more information about one of their classes.

For related news, visit the Naval Reserve Readiness Command Northeast Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/redcomne.

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