Cholesterol is a kind of fat that is in our blood.
We need some of it to look after the brain and skin but too much blocks up our vessels (carrying the blood). Cholesterol is found in food that comes from animals – meat, fish, milk, butter, eggs and cheese.
Having your blood checked at the doctors will let you know if you have anything to worry about, but a healthy diet and exercise should keep it under control.
You cannot catch or develop this it is something that is inherited – passed on in families and is in the blood. Blood cells should be soft and squidgy but people with Sickle Cell have some hard cells. These make blockages and can mean lots of pain in the chest, bones and tummy.
Doctors can help with medicines and vitamins to help the body make soft squidgy cells or a blood transfusion – pump some healthy blood into the body, but the disease does not go away.
If you have it you need to eat healthy food, drink lots of water and have lots of rest. You also need to keep warm and remember you are more likely to get the flu and other illnesses so its very important you look after your body.
It is important you have a good skin care routine that you do every day to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
You should decide what type of skin you have and buy products that are specially for your skin type. If your skin is itchy and flakey you probably have dry skin. If it is greasy to touch or shiny to look at you probably have oily skin. If you are not happy with your skin you should suggest that as part of your Health Action Plan you should see a dermatologist – skin doctor. They will talk to you about what things to use on your skin and what works best. Dry skin can be very uncomfortable.
A good tip is to get a gentle exfoliator – face or body wash with little beads in to get rid of dead skin; and of course a good moisturiser.
It is important no matter what your skin type that you wear sun cream when you go out on a sunny day. It protects your skin from the sun – another way of keeping it healthy.
