How Often Do You Check Your Cholesterol?

My uncle the hypochondriac, recently bought a home cholesterol meter. They’re available at most pharmacies at least here, in my country. Last night, he decided it was time to check his cholesterol but wanted me to be the guinea pig. So, being the guinea pig I am, I stuck out my finger first. (It uses blood, similar to a blood sugar meter.

My cholesterol level was where I thought it would be, although I wish it was lower: 260. It has been around this level for the last 10 years, at least, and, apparently, my doctors have not been too concerned at this level, although I know they like it to be under 200.

My uncle who turned out to be a much bigger  than I thought he was, finally worked up the nerve to prick his own finger and check his cholesterol. I asked him, before he told me what his level was, if I should go buy that 1 million dollar life insurance policy on him. He just gave me that look. I said, “It’s over 300, isn’t it!” Yep, his level is 338!

So, do you know what your cholesterol is? Are you on cholesterol medication and has it helped? I was on some once, Lipitor, I think it was, but it caused some negative side-effects that I didn’t like so I stopped taking it. Have you worked at lowering your cholesterol? If so, were you successful? If so, how did you do it because I’d really like to get mine under 200.