This post is sponsored by LIVALO® (pitavastatin) and Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., a  biopharmaceutical company, and should not be construed to constitute medical advice.  Personal opinions and thoughts are my own. I am not a medical professional and am not qualified to give medical advice. Please talk with your doctor about your individual medical situation. 

BE PROACTIVE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH 

My doctor says it is never too late to improve your heart health. I am the perfect example of the woman who lost her heart health discipline during the past year,  grappling with living with a different lifestyle due to COVID-19. 

Of course, I noticed a change in my energy level and emotional vitality, my appearance, and my emotional state of mind. To be honest, I felt like a slug. I can unequivocally state, “I was in a funk and no longer smelled the roses.” 

What motivated me to put on the brakes and recharge my engine? It was not my looks.  It was my concern over my health. I was frightened. I did not want to have a heart attack or a stroke. On a positive note, I felt my body, at any age, could repair itself.  

Bottom line, I must be proactive regarding my health, and as my doctor always says, it is never too late to begin, (or in my case return to), better health habits!

CHECK YOUR HEART MORE OFTEN BECAUSE… 

As emphasized by my doctor, an important part of my health is heart health and knowing my cholesterol levels. My doctor routinely reminds me that the number one killer of women is heart disease (according to the American Heart Association) and says that plaque can build up in the arteries due to high cholesterol levels slowly blocking the flow of blood to the heart and/or brain, which can trigger a heart attack or stroke. That’s why I get my cholesterol checked regularly, as directed by my doctor who says per the  AHA, for adults, is every 4-6 years over the age of 20.  

My doctor reassures me that high cholesterol can be managed with an individual treatment plan that includes a heart-healthy diet, routine exercise for 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity 3-4 times per week, and adjusting any other lifestyle habits that may be unhealthy. We’ve also discussed how if making healthy lifestyle changes isn’t effectively getting cholesterol under control, a doctor can also prescribe a  statin. 

There are multiple statins available, which aren’t all the same. Having regular conversations with your doctor can help guide you to a statin that may be more tolerable for you and help you reach your cholesterol goals. 

LIVALO® (pitavastatin) is a statin for adults with high cholesterol that, along with a heart-healthy diet, helps lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”)  cholesterol, triglycerides, and Apo B and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”)  cholesterol, which may be part of an individualized approach to treatment. It has not been studied to evaluate its effect on reducing heart-related disease or death. Common

side effects include back pain, constipation, diarrhea, muscle pain, and pain in the legs or arms. 

Talk to your doctor about managing cholesterol and understanding if a statin, like  LIVALO, is right for you. I encourage you to check out the information available to you here. 

EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR THE BODY AS WELL AS THE MIND 

I believe the benefit of a positive and healthy lifestyle gives you many options. First and foremost, the positive power to act effectively and happily in all that you do. I believe age is just a number. Yes, I am an optimist by nature, but I am also a realist. But I also know how important it is to keep my body, specifically my heart, in the best shape it can be in. 

Fortunately, from the time I was a young girl in college I exercised daily in my room— though I admit exercising had nothing to do with staying healthy; I was in college and wanted to stay in dating shape! The routine of exercising did stick with me and to this day I feel guilty if I don’t exercise.

My mother put me on the path, at a young age, of learning good eating habits. There were no sweets in our home, we drank skim milk, ate leafy veggies and fruits, and lots of fish. I owe myself the many benefits that daily exercise and proper eating habits provide. From my experience, my physical, as well as my emotional health, will thrive, as long as I take the time to be good to myself. 

Taking my daily walk is emotionally uplifting and as the health experts say, “The best  exercise.” When I am surrounded by nature and the early morning silence of the day I  am physically at peace. Walking for me is emotionally therapeutic. I feel calm, joyful,  and fit. Walking is also a brain booster for me. In poor weather, we have a treadmill or we go to the gym, and if you have a bad back like my husband, he is grateful for his stationary bike. I started boxing lessons in 2019 because I learned it was great for balance, coordination, and the mind, and of course, my heart. I even bought pink boxing gloves! Over the past year, I began taking yoga classes online, and I have met a new  Pilates instructor, so I am looking forward to this activity. 

LIFESTYLE 

My journey has taught me that a good mental outlook can do wonders, and for me, truly understanding my overall health, discovering my passions, staying curious, and engaging in a sense of commitment to myself, has made me feel more successful and happy in life. I suggest you give it a try as well! 

Important Safety Information for LIVALO® (pitavastatin) tablets  

What is LIVALO? 

• LIVALO is a cholesterol-lowering medication called a “statin” for adults with high cholesterol that,  along with a heart-healthy diet, helps to lower total cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol (LDL-C),  triglycerides, and Apo B and to raise “good” cholesterol (HDL-C). 
• LIVALO has not been studied to evaluate its effect on reducing heart-related disease or death.  

Who should NOT take LIVALO?  

LIVALO is not right for everyone. Do not take LIVALO if: 

• You have a known allergy to LIVALO or any of its ingredients.  
• You have active liver problems, including some abnormal liver test results.  
• You are nursing, pregnant, or may become pregnant, as it may harm the baby. 
• You are currently taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil. 

What is the most important information I should know and talk to my doctor about?  

• Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or hives. 
• Muscle problems may be an early sign of rare, serious conditions. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever, or if these muscle signs or symptoms persist after discontinuing LIVALO. 
• Serious liver problems have been reported rarely in patients taking statins, including LIVALO.  Your doctor should do liver tests before you start, and if you have symptoms of liver problems while you are taking LIVALO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel more tired than usual, have a loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.  
• Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you take including nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.  
• Increases in blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including LIVALO. ● Tell your doctor about your alcohol use. 
• Tell your healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy. 

What are the most common side effects of LIVALO?  

 The most common side effects of LIVALO in clinical studies were: 

• Back pain • Muscle pain 
• Constipation • Pain in the legs or arms  
• Diarrhea 

This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.  Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.  

How should I store and take LIVALO? 

• Store LIVALO tablets at room temperature, in a dry place, protected from light, and keep out of the reach of children. 
• Take LIVALO orally once daily with or without food at the same time each day. 
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew. 
• The maximum recommended dosage is LIVALO 4 mg once daily. 
• If you take too much LIVALO or you or someone else takes an overdose, call your doctor and/or local Poison Control Center. 

Other important information I should know about LIVALO.  

• LIVALO is available by prescription only.  

For additional information please see the full Prescribing Information or visit www.LivaloRx.com.  © Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2021) – LIV-RA-0142 PI of 09/2020

Have you ever had to restart a health regimen? Let me know in the comments below or share your ideas on Facebook.

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