Dr. Mary P. McGowan, MD
By Laura Eames
From the April 2006
Issue of Applaud Magazine

Dr. McGowan’s most popular book is 50 ways to Lower Your Cholesterol. The first chapters explain exactly what cholesterol is, and why it can be elevated. The confusion about high and low density, the impact of both diet and heredity on your cholesterol levels, normal counts-all are explained clearly. What follows these explanations are very specific dietary tips to limit cholesterol found in products of animal origin. The tips for eating out in ethnic restaurants are particularly helpful and prove it is possible to eat healthy and still enjoy good food and good companionship when eating out. For example, limiting the cheese and sour cream on your Mexican dishes and forgoing the chips while eating all the salsa you like on your choices is a good way to cut down on fat and its cholesterol. Italian restaurants offer minestrone soup, good salads (with dressing on the side!), shrimp primavera, pasta with marinara sauce-and Italian ices instead of pastries for dessert. Many people take over the counter supplements or prescribed medications to lower cholesterol. The book methodically and clearly goes over the popular choices, their efficacy, side effects and offers advice on the best choices. Tips on exercise are precise and very practical. And of course, the book offers hope. For patients with genetically high cholesterol levels, advice and optimism are offered, from treatment options to suggestions on how to follow the guidelines on diet and exercise in the book. For many patients with elevated cholesterol, taking the practical suggestions offered by Dr. McGowan will lower their counts and improve their lifestyle. The book is a valuable tool for this physician who believes in educating her patients and working with them to solve their cholesterol problems. Barnes & Noble, Manchester, is the site for several Reader’s Book Groups. Currently, we sponsor groups for Christian Fiction, Gay and Lesbian Readers, Libros Latino Americanos, A Knot of Knitters, Genealogy Workshop, Metaphysical Readers, Manga Readers. and two Poetry groups. The groups meet once a month; during the summer some groups have taken a hiatus. We have several local authors a month signing and discussing their books, many of local interest. We also have famous authors several times a year. Readers can call the customer service desk at 603-668-5557 for current book group information. We also sponsor several children’s events a month. 50 Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol Dr. McGowan begins with an explanation of cholesterol; how it becomes elevated; high and low density; the impact of diet and heredity and normal cholesterol counts. What follows are very specific dietary tips to limit cholesterol found in products of animal origin. The tips for eating out in ethnic restaurants are particularly helpful and prove it is possible to eat healthy and still enjoy good food when eating out. For example, limiting the cheese and sour cream on your Mexican dishes and forgoing the chips while eating all the salsa you like, is a good way to cut down on fat and its cholesterol.