Most people know that healthy cholesterol levels can protect your heart and arteries. By now most of us know about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol. However, when we’re asked if we understand the differences between the types of cholesterol and what normal levels are, most individuals will admit that they do not fully understand the differences.

“People recognize the fact that their cholesterol levels impact their risk of cardiovascular disease, however, they may not understand the differences between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol or what is considered a high cholesterol level,” says physician assistant Bradley Biskup, Lifestyle Modification Program. “Most individuals are aware that cholesterol levels are controllable but they aren’t sure what lifestyle changes they need to make to impact their levels,” adds Biskup.

That’s why the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center has started a Lifestyle Modification Educational Series to help individuals understand their cardiovascular risk for heart disease and stroke, and how changes in their daily lives can lower their risk factors and improve their quality of life.

The lecture series is held the first Monday evening of every-other-month and the topic focuses on a different cardiac risk factor. Topics include diet, nutrition, exercise, cardiovascular testing, controlling cholesterol levels, weight-loss, stress, and smoking cessation. The focus on each topic will be the cardiovascular risk and how you can lower that risk with appropriate modifications in your lifestyle.