### instruction:
If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patient's description.

### input:
I am 65 yrs. of age and both my cholesterol and triglycerides are elevated. Total cholesterol is 257. Triglycerides are 158. HDL cholesterol is 55. The dr. threw a sample of Crestor to me and gave me a prescription as well. I threw the Crestor in the trash. Started taking Cholestoff *Complete* which is for both dietary and genetic high cholesterol (made from plants) and am suppose to take two twice daily before meals. Also am eating 3/4 cup of Quaker Oat Meal w/ cinnamon sprinkled heavily over it each day and am on a low fat diet. Have been told that niacin also helps bring down cholesterol and am wondering if you would recommend taking it. I also take fish oil daily. Am interested in natural products for lowering it. Haven t been exercising appropriately and need to do that. Both of my parents had normal cholesterol levels but my grandmother passed due to a stroke. What is your recommendation and am I on the correct path? I am totally against statins due to their many side effects. I take medication for thyroid which is Synthroid and have no other major medical problems. Thank you very much

### output:

Hi, I respect your beliefs regarding the intake of natural products for lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Despite statins as being the primary recommendation for lowering cholesterol levels and triglycerides, studies also support the use of fish oil, albeit slower than statins. They can still be used especially in those whom statins have caused side effects like body pains and liver enzyme elevations. And I agree with your current lifestyle of eating oatmeal, and I also suggest a Mediterranean style diet, together with fruits and vegetables.  I would still recommend a consult with a doctor for checking other risk factors, as well as regular testing for your cholesterol levels. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. 