Young people may be setting themselves up for long-term medical problems and higher health and life insurance premiums that can come with them. According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than half of young adults get cholesterol screenings. However, up to 26 percent of that population is thought to have elevated bad cholesterol levels. This isn’t just a health concern: lower cholesterol can result in lower insurance premiums.
Researchers found that 55 percent of men aged 20 to 35 had at least one risk factor for heart disease, including high blood pressure, smoking and obesity. The same was the case for women aged 20 to 45.
The study also found that 7 percent of these young adults had elevated cholesterol even though they had no other risk factors, while 26 percent of those with two or more risk factors had elevated levels.
Related Life Insurance Links
Forbes Says You Need Life Insurance, So Listen Up and Find It Here at the Best Price
Does Having Adult ADHD Affect Life Insurance Rates?
The Indianapolis 500 and Planning For the Unthinkable
Inventory of Important Papers After Death
How Should I Track My Life Insurance Policy?
Could My Genetic Makeup Prevent Me From Buying Life Insurance?
NAIC Task Force Aims to Track and Guide Insurance Innovations
Is A Waiver of Premium Rider Worth the Cost?
The Sensible Reasons for Purchasing a Life Insurance Policy
Tips for Finding a Lost Life Insurance Policy
Differences Between Variable, Variable Universal Life Insurance
Insurance Consumers Score Big With NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator
How Insurance Companies Rate Substandard Risks
The American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggest that children and teens have their cholesterol levels tested if they have a family history of early coronary artery disease or have other risk factors. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute offers further research on testing children and an education program that offers information in helping reduce coronary heart disease.
There are two types of cholesterol which are HDL, the good one and the bad which is LDL. High levels of LDL can block your arteries and cause a heart attack and stroke. Many factors such as family history, your age, eating too much saturated fat, obesity and not getting exercise can raise the bad levels. Smoking can also lead to higher levels.
Public health officials have been taking a number of steps to try to reduce childhood obesity levels, potentially sparing millions of people from chronic health conditions and more financial burdens.
By avoiding smoking and following a healthy diet and exercise routine, people can lower their cholesterol, enjoy a longer life and lower their life insurance premiums.