The N.C.E.P Guidelines
Whether or not the ingestion of cholesterol (via eggs, high-fat foods, etc.) is the cause of excessive blood levels of choesterol remains controversial. Some persons who eat very little cholesterol-laiden foods have genetically high levels of cholesterol naturally. None the less, the problem of high lipid levels is of enough concern that the US Department of Health and Human Services developed the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) in 1989 to combat the problem in this country. The NCEP recommends a low-saturated fat, low cholestrol diet, with weight loss (when indicated) to control and correct elevated plasma cholestrol levels.

Weight loss is accomplished by a restricted diet, or increase physical activity. Performing more exercise usually increases the levels of HDL. Studies have been performed on athletes and general fitness advocates and most investigations have shown significant changes in the levels of HDL after exercise. It is evident that aerobic conditioning brings about the most significant changes in HDL. Studies are now underway to determine whether or not resistance exercise produces the same types of changes in cholesterol and its sub-components as aerobic training.

The model of exercise programming into a treatment regime for elevated lipid levels would follow a three phase program (such as the cardiac rehabilitation section above). This program should start with an initial phase where supervised training teaches clients the benefits of conditioning and their effects on lipid levels. They will then move to a phase whereby they assume more responsibility for a self-paced program, and the instructor changes in the routine and records outcomes information for medical professionals and payors.

PHASE	AEROBICS	STRENGTH	SETS/REPS	COMMENTS
Phase I	Walking: 10-15 min.	General range of motion: major muscles	2 sets of 15 reps: with light weights	Supervised: 1-0n-1 conditioning
	--or--
	Stationary cycling: 10-20 min.	Light dumb bells	2 sets of 15 reps	Work on improving: range of motion and technique each session
	Elastic/rubber tubing		1-2 sets, 5-10 reps
Phase II	Increase aerobic activity to 20 min. 3-4 days per week.	Light dumb bells	2-3 sets increase 8-10 reps each week	Increase 5 lbs. on the upper body, 10 lbs. on the lower body
				Supervised: 1-0n-1, moving to self-paced
Phase III	Any combination of aerobic machines, or low impact classes	Strength machines exercise, Free weights	2-4 sets of 10-8-6 reps	Exercise to a more progressive format Train with a partner CONTINUED      Previous   1  2  3  Next      Comments  Add your comment    About The Author Eric Durak received his Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan in 1986. His research experience is in the application of exercise for special population groups, such as diabetes, high risk pregnancy,......more   Related Articles & Links Fitness Center Nutritional Medicine Center by Eric Durak     From Our Friends		Popular Related Articles/Areas 1Moving Chiropractic Forward 2Food Allergies 3Restoring the American Dream 4Different Strokes for Different Folks - What Parents and Children Say About Drugs for ADD 5A Compendium of Homeopathic Medicines for Self-care for the Individual 6Vitamin B2 -- Riboflavin 7Condition: Peptic Ulceration 8Healthy Sports 9Therapy: Osteopathy   Popular & Related Products Employee Wellbeing Whole Person Wellbeing Wellness Workbook Consumer Direct Labs Services Comprehensive Wellness Profile Save on Lab Test Lab Tests Women's Health   Popular & Featured Events 2019 National Wellness Conference      October 1-3, 2019      Kissimmee, FL USA   Additional Calendar Links   Dimensions of Wellness