Health Net Shares Steps to Keep Cholesterol in Check

LOS ANGELES--(Business Wire)--
Tomorrow, September 1, marks the start of National Cholesterol Education Month.
In support of this educational effort, Health Net, Inc., (NYSE: HNT) is
encouraging those who haven't yet done so, to have their blood cholesterol
measured and, if it's high, to embark on a cholesterol-lowering program.

"According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, more than
65-million Americans have high blood cholesterol and are thus at increased risk
for developing heart disease and potentially suffering a heart attack," explains
Jonathan Scheff, M.D., chief medical officer for Health Net, Inc. "Heart disease
is the number one killer of men and women in the United States," he adds. "In
fact, more than one million Americans have heart attacks annually and about half
a million die from heart disease. Clearly, controlling cholesterol is a critical
health issue."

For more information

Health Net Inc. Online Newsroom
Health Net Member Web Site
Health Net Insurance for Individuals
Health Net Medicare Plans

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in cell walls throughout the
body. The function of cholesterol is to produce hormones, bile acids, vitamin D,
and other substances. Cholesterol is transported via lipoproteins, of which
there are two primary types:

* Low density lipoprotein, or LDL, is often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol
because it carries cholesterol to tissues, including the arteries. The higher
the level of LDL, the greater the risk for heart disease.
* High density lipoprotein, or HDL, is frequently dubbed the "good" cholesterol
because it delivers cholesterol to the liver, thus removing it from the body. A
low level of HDL raises heart-disease risk.

Cholesterol dangers

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) points out that
cholesterol poses a danger when it reaches excess levels and becomes trapped in
artery walls. Trapped cholesterol can build up and become plaque, which in turn
can lead to atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries." If the heart's
coronary arteries become blocked by plaque, angina - chest pain - can result.
When atherosclerosis affects the coronary arteries, the condition is called
coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease.

Plaque poses an additional threat in that some plaques have a thin covering that
can burst, releasing cholesterol and fat into the bloodstream. A blood clot can
consequently form, blocking arterial blood flow and causing a heart attack.

Know your numbers

"High blood cholesterol itself," notes Scheff, "isn't accompanied by symptoms,
so many people are unaware they are at risk. That's why getting tested is
extremely important."

Scheff says a total cholesterol level of less than 200 is desirable. Between 200
and 239 is considered borderline high, while 240 and above is deemed high. In
relation to LDL (bad) cholesterol, a level of less than 100 is optimal; 100 to
129 is near optimal; 130 to 159 is designated borderline high; 160 to 189 is
considered high; and 190 or above is very high. As for HDL (good) cholesterol,
higher numbers are actually better. For example, an HDL level of less than 40 is
considered a significant risk factor for men and less than 50 is a significant
risk for women. HDL levels of 60 or more help lower the risk of heart disease.

Four steps to curb cholesterol

For those with a total blood cholesterol that is borderline or high, Scheff
suggests taking the following four steps along with seeking the advice of a
health-care provider:

1. Reduce fat in your daily diet - Eat less fatty cuts of red meats, fewer foods
prepared with animal fats and oils, avoid "added" fats such as butter,
margarine, salad dressings, mayonnaise, as well as sauces, and stay away from
fried foods.

2. Opt for unsaturated fats -Saturated fat raises your blood cholesterol level;
they're found in animal products such as bacon, cold cuts, frankfurters, and
even cheese and whole milk, as well as a few plant products, including coconut
and palm oil. Unsaturated fats come in two forms: polyunsaturated and
monounsaturated. Safflower oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, corn oil, and fish
are good sources of polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats can be found in
olive oil, peanut oil, and canola oil.

3. Consume more carbohydrates and fiber - Choose foods high in complex
carbohydrates (starch and fiber). Complex carbohydrates contain little or no
saturated fat and no cholesterol. They include whole grain breads and cereals,
oats, barley, brown rice, dry beans, fruits, and vegetables.

4.Exercise regularly - Aim for 20 minutes of aerobic activity at least three
times a week. Aerobic exercise is a great way to increase HDL or "good"
cholesterol.

About Health Net

Health Net, Inc., is among the nation`s largest publicly traded managed health
care companies. Its mission is to help people be healthy, secure and
comfortable. The company`s health plans and government contracts subsidiaries
provide health benefits to approximately 6.6 million individuals across the
country through group, individual, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE and Veterans
Affairs programs. Health Net`s behavioral health subsidiary, MHN, provides
mental health benefits to approximately 6.7 million individuals in all 50
states. The company`s subsidiaries also offer managed health care products
related to prescription drugs, and offer managed health care product
coordination for multi-region employers and administrative services for medical
groups and self-funded benefits programs.

For more information on Health Net, Inc., please visit the company`s Web site at
www.healthnet.com.

Health Net, Inc.
Amy Sheyer, 818-676-8304
amy.l.sheyer@healthnet.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090831005038/en