Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally!

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that people who ate a lot of plant sterols and fiber naturally lowered their cholesterol by 29%. What are plant sterols? They are foods that many of us like to eat: avocados, walnuts, almonds, olives, eggplant, olive oil, and flaxseed. The researchers found that people on the drug, Lovastatin, lowered their cholesterol by 30%, and people who ate a low-fat diet reduced cholesterol levels by 8%. What’s interesting about these findings is they show that a diet rich in plant sterols can be as effective as one of the most frequently prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs—and without some of the side effects associated with prescription drugs. Adding these important foods can help raise your good cholesterol (HDL) while lowering your bad cholesterol (LDL). Note: If you’re on a cholesterol reducing medication, talk with your physician before making any changes.

5 ‘Hidden’ Credit Card Perks

Credit cards are usually known for high interest rates and extra fees, but did you know they also have some hidden benefits? Policies vary by company, but here are five perks your credit card may provide: • Rental car insurance. One-third of drivers tend to buy extra collision insurance when they rent a car. Most credit cards include collision insurance. You could save $140 on a week’s rental, but it may not apply to trucks, campers, and SUVs. • Cell phone replacement. If your phone gets damaged or stolen (loss may not be included), certain cards such as Citi will pay for a new cell phone, although you’ll have a $50 co-pay. • Trip cancellation. A Discover card may give you up to $2,500 if you have to cancel your trip due to illness. It has to be a serious illness with a doctor’s note or an event like death in the family. Also, American Express cards usually offer travel perks, such as double reward points to use on hotel and airfares. • Price (or return) protection. If you buy an item and find the same one advertised for a lower price elsewhere within 30 to 60 days, your card might refund the difference. Exclusions could include cars, cell phones, online sales, and purchases on eBay. Plus, most cards let you dispute a purchase if your merchandise isn’t delivered. • Extended warranties. Visa and AmEx cards automatically double the length of any manufacturer’s warranty. You need documentation and some products aren’t covered but it can save you money. See page 2 for more information on extended warranties. Read your credit card agreement to find perks you may be missing!

The Key To A Longer Life

Friends—According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, men who have lots of friends, social contacts, and relatives live longer, more satisfying lives. In a study of 28,000 men in their early 40s to late 70s, researchers found that men who were socially isolated loners were 20 percent more likely to die prematurely. The socially isolated group also was 53 percent more likely to die from heart related diseases and stroke. Unmarried men included in the study had markedly higher death rates than married men with a strong family support system did. It appears that making friends and nurturing social relationships not only will make you healthier, but it could make you a lot happier too!