Know Your Numbers

Here’s a check-up checklist to make sure your guy gets the information he needs to monitor his health status.

Blood cholesterol: To get accurate blood cholesterol results—LDL, HDL (the “good” cholesterol), triglycerides and total cholesterol—your guy will need to fast, typically for nine to 12 hours before his cholesterol test. That means no eating and drinking, other than water, after midnight. Targets: Less than 200 for total cholesterol, less than 100 for LDL and over 40 HDL and less than 150 for triglycerides.

Blood pressure: 120/80 is considered normal.

Fasting blood glucose: 70 to 99. If your guy has been diagnosed with diabetes, his HbA1c (average blood sugar over two to three months) should be less than 7%.

Waist circumference. Less than 40 inches (men) is optimal.

Body mass index (BMI): 18.6 to 24.9 is ideal.

These health numbers are important to track. Your guy can use them to monitor his health from year to year and stay motivated to take care of himself by, for example, eating a plant-based diet, losing weight if he needs to, and exercising regularly.

For more information about preventive tests for adults, visit healthcare.gov/preventivecare-adults

Check out our Lifestyle Conversions

When it comes to choosing a vehicle for a loved one in a wheelchair, there are more options than just minivans.

At Mobility Driven, we are devoted to providing the highest quality service in a personalized manner. Part of that service includes our Lifestyle Conversions.

Mobility Driven adapts several types of motorsports vehicles for people with high-level injuries, limited mobility and different kinds of disabilities. We convert RVs and camper vans so you can get out and enjoy all the outdoor activities the Western Slope has to offer.

Check out more photos and videos of our Lifestyle Conversions on our website and Facebook.

Be happy in your own skin 6 treatments to minimize scars

Scars can be beautiful because they tell a story about a chapter in our life. They’re part of our journey. But what if you don’t want that story to be told so boldly?

There are treatments to minimize scars. Always ask your doctor before applying topical treatments to a wound because it depends on how it has healed.

Here are the six best ways to minimize scarring:

■ Carrot seed essential oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties and contains incredibly powerful antioxidants. This oil can be applied topically to help with scarring and dark spots.

■ Frankincense oil minimizes inflammation. Using it while a wound is relatively new may potentially prevent any scarring at all. If using this oil with an existing or healing scar, you’ll likely notice the scar fade some.

■ Massaging improves blood flow, which in turn promotes pliability and reduces inflammation. After my husband’s knee replacement, I gently massaged around the area and the back of his knee to reduce his risk of arthrofibrosis. Do not massage around the scar too soon as the pressure and kneading could reopen the wound!

■ Vitamin C helps minimize raised scar formations and acts as a brightening agent. In a matter of months, you might notice some fading. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin

Dear Pharmacist

BY SUZY COHEN

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C, however supplements are better since you get a higher consistent dose.

■ Bromelain is a supplement derived from pineapples. It is a digestive enzyme that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It will help reduce pain and swelling if taken orally after a surgical procedure. Bromelain breaks down fibrins, which prevents clotting and improves circulation. Its enzymes essentially dissolve the fibrin, thereby reducing the hard tissue surrounding a scar, allowing it to heal and repair itself.

■ Silicone scar bandages are great to put on a spot that needs to remain flexible like your neck, knee or finger. The silicone sheet bandages protect the vulnerable tissue from getting scratched or nicked, and it reduces itching. These silicone gel sheets might even affect a well-healed scar that’s a year or older.

Not all scars are the same, but it doesn’t hurt to give these options a try. If you feel happier in your own skin, it’s worth it! ■