Many people are aware that high cholesterol contributes to heart disease, but they will be surprised to learn that cholesterol performs essential functions in the human body. A lipid made in the liver and found in animal cell membranes, cholesterol is used to repair tissues and digest fat, as well as in the manufacture of hormones, bile salts, and Vitamin D. However, problems arise when an excess of cholesterol builds up on blood vessel walls, thus impeding blood flow. A person’s blood cholesterol count is comprised of two different types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as “good” cholesterol. Whereas HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver, LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the arteries where it accumulates. Although
certain foods deriving from animals, such as meat, shellfish, cheese and eggs, are high in dietary cholesterol, it is actually the consumption of the saturated fats found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, cakes and biscuits that raises levels of “bad” cholesterol. Conversely, eating polyunsaturated fats and soluble fibre can lower LDL.

Work-related stress is one of the biggest causes of sick leave in the UK. If you’ve noticed you always seem to be rushing about, or miss meal breaks, take work home or don’t have enough time for relaxation, seeing your family or for exercise, then you may well find yourself under stress, especially at work. There is often no single cause of work-related stress, but it can be caused by poor working conditions, long hours, relationship problems with colleagues, or lack of job security. Stress is often the result of a combination of these factors that builds up over time. Work-related stress can result in both physical problems such as headaches, muscular tension, back or neck pain, tiredness, digestive problems and sweating; or emotional problems, such as a lower sex drive, feelings of inadequacy, irritability and lack of concentration. According to recent surveys, one in six of the UK working population said their job is very stressful, and thirty percent of men said that the demands of their job interfere with their private lives.