Buddying Up to Lower High Cholesterol

(LifeWire) - Embarking on an effort to lower high cholesterol can be a little scary. You will try to shrug off old habits associated with pleasure in favor of new ones that summon images of pain. It's all in the interest of a longer and healthier life -- but still.

So, it might help to have someone holding your hand throughout the process, at least in a figurative sense. Finding a "cholesterol-lowering partner," someone you can team up with, can be both helpful and inspiring.

The "Social Support" Factor

You probably know from experience that having a friend along makes hard stuff seem just a little easier. Studies show that people with "social support," which may include family, friends or support groups, have an easier time losing weight, lowering blood pressure and exercising than those without a support system. And experts agree that losing weight and eating healthier can lower your cholesterol.

Teaming Up to Lower Cholesterol

Before beginning a cholesterol-lowering program, talk to your doctor about your risk factors and his recommendations for you. While you can team up with a friend to stay on track, it's important that you keep your individual goals and needs in mind.

What can you do together to better your cholesterol? Here are some ideas to start you off:

• Share research with each other
  It's important to educate yourself about high cholesterol, but it can seem like a big job on your own. You and your partner can make a goal of each finding out new information to share weekly. Start right here on the Cholesterol channel on About.com. You may also want to sign up for the About.com Cholesterol newsletter or RSS feeds, cholesterol news and information comes straight to your e-mail inbox.
• Change your dietary habits
  Talk about ways to change your diet. You and your partner can reinforce each other's healthy behavior as you gradually switch to a low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol diet. Adding foods that are high in fiber is also a positive option.
• Become workout partners
  Find exercises you and your partner both enjoy. Pushing each other 10 more minutes or 1 more mile can be motivating, and regular walking dates can make activity fun.
• Applaud your successes
  Did your partner get her levels down a bit? Congratulate her with a small gift, outing, or just a pat on the back. She's sure to do the same for you, and celebrating progress along the way can help keep both of you on track.
• Keep up with your appointments and share your results
  You and your partner can schedule your cholesterol checks during the same week and then plan to share your results over dinner. The accountability factor will help you remember to stick to your scheduled visits.

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