Marianne Schippers works at a Maxima Medical Center (MC) location. She is a nurse specialist there and enjoys talking about her work at Maxima MC.

Marianne is a busy nurse specialist. At LEEFH, we were therefore very pleased that she was willing to talk to us for an interview. Marianne does not work alone, but in a team of specialists. As Marianne Schippers is a contact consultant for LEEFH, she consults frequently with the LEEFH foundation.

Marianne explains: "When I see a new patient with sky-high cholesterol, alarm bells start ringing. But we don't know for sure whether the patient in question also has FH. We need to investigate that thoroughly first.

Still FH

If a patient is diagnosed with FH, some people are shocked and do not immediately want to take medication. She guides them through this process with great care. ‘Of course, it's good that people don't immediately want to reach for pills and want to pay attention to their lifestyle. If you have FH, a healthy lifestyle is very useful, but unfortunately it is often not enough to keep your cholesterol levels under control.'

"If you have FH, a healthy lifestyle is very helpful, but often not enough to keep your cholesterol levels under control."

Young adults

Marianne also works with young adults. "They especially have to get used to the treatment. When you're between 18 and 20, you have other things on your mind. You live in the here and now and don't think about the possible long term. With the 'hectic' lifestyle of the average young adult, it is difficult to take medication consistently. It is a challenge to get them motivated and keep them motivated in a healthy way. Sometimes patients don't get enough information from home and, to be honest, a Kapsalon sandwich is very tasty after a night out.' "I understand that," says Marianne Schippers. "We are doing our very best to keep this group involved."