### How to Manage Your Cholesterol Levels Cholesterol is a substance in your blood that your body uses to make hormones and digest fats. However, too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries, making it harder for blood to flow to vital organs like your heart and brain. This increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Here are some steps to keep your cholesterol in a healthy range: 1. **Diet**: Avoid saturated fats found in fried foods, red meat, and full-fat dairy. Opt for lean chicken, fish, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Avoid trans fats found in processed foods. Focus on fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and healthy oils like olive or canola. 2. **Weight Management**: Even a small amount of weight loss can lower your cholesterol. Simple changes like drinking water instead of soda or walking a bit more each day can help. 3. **Limit Alcohol**: Men under 65 should have no more than two drinks a day, while women of all ages and men over 65 should limit to one drink a day. 4. **Exercise**: Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity each week. Any movement, from yard work to walking, counts. 5. **Quit Smoking**: Smoking damages your arteries, making cholesterol more likely to stick. Quitting smoking improves your blood flow and reduces your risk of heart problems. 6. **Regular Check-ups**: High cholesterol has no symptoms, so regular blood tests are essential. Most people need a cholesterol screening every 5 years, but those at higher risk may need more frequent tests. Lifestyle changes are often enough to manage cholesterol, but some people may need medication. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.