Duke Health

Imagine pouring bacon grease down your kitchen sink every day. Eventually, the pipe clogs, and water no longer drains. Now imagine that the pipe is a vital artery, and the bacon grease is cholesterol-- a fatty buildup that clings to blood vessel walls. When cholesterol completely blocks blood flow, a heart attack or stroke can strike.

According to Duke cardiologist Nishant Shah, MD, regularly checking and managing your cholesterol levels is one of the easiest ways to prevent cardiovascular disease in the future. Here Dr. Shah explains why it’s important to test your cholesterol levels and when to consider medication.

A year after a reverse shoulder replacement, Vicki Reynolds won a kayaking competition. She has her doctor to thank, and a word of encouragement for people facing similar injuries. “You’re like, 'Oh, I'm injured. This is the end.’ And it's not.”

Knee injuries, ankle sprains, dislocated shoulders, and broken bones occur without warning. When they happen, skip the crowded ER and general urgent care. That’s for sick people. Duke Orthopaedic Urgent Care offers fast treatment for your injury for lower co-pays and minimal exposure to illness. Open daily. No appointment needed.