Cholesterol
Heale Medical Primary Care
Cholesterol levels refer to the amount of cholesterol present in your blood, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Cholesterol is essential for the body’s normal functioning but can be harmful when levels become unbalanced.
Types of Cholesterol:
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): “Bad” cholesterol; high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): “Good” cholesterol; helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood; high levels can increase heart disease risk.
Recommended Levels:
- Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL (desirable)
- LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL (optimal)
- HDL Cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher (protective)
- Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL (normal)
Factors Affecting Cholesterol:
- Diet: Saturated fats and trans fats raise LDL levels.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts HDL.
- Weight: Obesity can raise LDL and lower HDL.
- Genetics: Family history influences cholesterol levels.
Management Tips:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week).
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Consult a healthcare provider if medication is needed.
Heale Medical Primary Care Doctors
DR. SARAH PARK, M.D.
Dr. Park completed the Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Medicine program at Northeastern Ohio Medical University. She completed an internal medicine residency at Case Western Metro Health in Cleveland, Ohio, and is Internal Medicine board-certified physician. Dr. Park has 10 years of experience and prior to starting at Heale Medical, she worked in academic medicine as well as hospitalist work. Her focuses include preventative care and women’s health. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, exercise and spending time with her husband and two children. She also likes to volunteer at church and with various global health organizations.
DR. STEPHANIE NG, D.O.
Dr. Stephanie Ng completed her undergraduate studies at University of New England in Maine after serving as a medic in the US Army for four years. She graduated with a degree in Medical Biology and began working in the biotech/pharmaceutical field as a research assistant. She attended the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine Residency program with the US Army in El Paso, TX. Upon completion of her program, she was assigned to the largest American hospital outside of the US in Germany.
During her time there, she worked as a primary care physician until she was deployed to Afghanistan as a Battalion Surgeon with the 2nd Cavalry Infantry unit. With the help of her medics and PA, she ran a sick call clinic for her soldiers, attended to minor traumas, provided medical training/education to the combat medics as well as organized a Flu vaccination clinic and Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment Day alongside her Physical Therapist. Throughout her career she had worked in various positions to include hospitalist, primary care and urgent care.
Her medical interests include preventive healthcare, integrative medicine, OMT and aesthetics. Dr. Ng is fluent in Spanish as well.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, watching movies, dancing and having adventures where ever life takes her!
JOSHUA MONTGOMERY, CERTIFIED PHYSICAN ASSISTANT (PA)
Joshua Montgomery is certified physician assistant (PA)and graduate of Shenandoah University’s PA program. He most recently completed his Doctorate of Medical Science degree from Shenandoah University. Joshua also holds a Master of Public Health degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and worked many years in public health before becoming a PA.
His professional interest lies in preventative medicine, particularly biopsychosocial connection for chronic disease prevention and management, as well interest in Men’s health.
In addition, Joshua serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Minority PAs as well as the nccPA Health Foundation.
In his free time, Joshua enjoys sports especially basketball and football. He also enjoys live music events, food festivals, and exploring nice outdoor parks.
Heale Medical Primary Care
8300 Boone Boulevard
Suite 150
Vienna, VA 22182
