Vance Alm, MD

Cholesterol simply stated is a fatty, waxy substance essential for building and maintaining cells, manufacturing hormones and aiding in food digestion. The liver makes or recirculates 75 percent of the cholesterol in the body.

Cholesterol travels through the blood in tiny carriers called low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). High levels of LDL are associated with a higher likelihood of blocked arteries. This is the bad cholesterol.

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs), conversely, are carriers that actually protect against heart disease by carrying cholesterol away from the arteries back to the liver, where it's available for reuse. The ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol is an important indicator of coronary functioning.

"A total cholesterol count of 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood or below is desirable, and ‘bad' LDL should be less than 100, while ‘good' HDL should be more than 45 for women and more than 40 for men," said Vance Alm, MD, family practitioner at Vista Family Medicine and, along with Helen Hong, MD, co-medical director of Northern Nevada Medical Center's monthly health fairs. Individuals with additional risk factors should consider lowering their cholesterol even further, and those with a good to bad cholesterol ratio of 4.97 or higher should see a doctor for a complete medical evaluation, Dr. Alm advised.

Northern Nevada, with its partners Quest Diagnostics and Vista Family Medicine, offers a low-cost health screening that makes knowing your numbers, the first step in a healthy lifestyle, easy and convenient.

The health fair is held from 7:30 to 11 AM on the first Thursday of each month in the hospital's first-floor lobby.

The fair features cholesterol screenings, including lipid profiles with cholesterol and HDL/LDL with ratios. Blood chemistry panels also can be included with the lipid profiles. Fasting for 12 to 14 hours is required for best results in these screenings.

Northern Nevada's health fairs offer the following menu of reliable health indicators at a fraction of the regular cost:

• Lipid profile -- $15, including cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL/LDL ratio
• Lipid profile with blood chemistry panel -- $20, including cholesterol, triglycerides (a type of blood fat resulting if more calories are consumed than used), HDL/LDL ratio and profiles with computerized report on 14 blood chemistry levels
• Thyroid screening (TSH) -- $35, screening for an overactive or underactive thyroid gland
• Complete blood count (CBC) -- $10, indicating viral/bacterial presence and red/white blood cell counts
• PSA prostate cancer testing -- $50, including blood screening and exam
• Osteoporosis screening -- $20, a quick and simple heel scan
• Body fat and fitness screening -- Free from Northern Nevada Rehabilitation
• 15-minute chair massage -- $5 from Evert Broderick, LMT, Towards Balance

After the health fair, enjoy a heart-healthy breakfast, served from 7:30 to 9 AM at the special price of $1.50.

Northern Nevada's healthy screening dates continue through 2004 on April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. For details, call 1-800-874-5775.

Northern Nevada Medical Center 2375 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434 775-331-7000