Five Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

Too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” kind) increases your risk of heart disease. To get your cholesterol into the “good” range (130 to 110), try these lifestyle changes:

  • Lose weight
  • Eat heart-healthy foods (lean cuts of meat, whole grains, fruits and vegetables)
  • Exercise most days of the week
  • Quit smoking
  • Practice moderation when drinking alcohol

Stay in Shape on a Budget

Here’s how to create an effective five-part exercise program at home. Always consult your physician before you start.

  1. Warm-up: Take an easy walk or ride at a slow pace on a stationary bike.
  2. Cardiovascular: Walk or pedal faster. Do step aerobics along with a video.
  3. Resistance (strength-building): This can be simple push-ups and abdominal crunches.
  4. Flexibility: The perfect exercise for flexibility is yoga, or do floor stretches.
  5. Cool down: Do any low-level cardiovascular activity that brings your heart rate to a resting pace.