Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in your blood. When there is too much, it builds up on the walls of your arteries and can slow down or stop blood from getting to your heart. In fact, the higher your blood cholesterol, the greater your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack.

There are different kinds of cholesterol in your blood. A simple blood test can tell you and your doctor how much of each kind you have.

What do your cholesterol numbers mean?

• Total cholesterol – Less than 200 mg/dL is good.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol – This is the kind that can build up and block the arteries. LDL levels lower than 100 mg/dL are best.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol – This kind can keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries. HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or more help lower your risk for heart disease.
• Triglycerides – This is another form of fat in your blood that can raise your risk for heart disease if you have too much. Levels that are borderline high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more) may need treatment.

Ask your doctor what your cholesterol levels should be and how often to get tested.

To lower your risk for high blood cholesterol:

• Eat healthy. Reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet.
• Watch your weight. Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if you need to.
• Be active. Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most, if not all, days.

A few pounds can make a big difference when it comes to diabetes. If you have the condition, your body either has trouble making enough of a hormone called insulin or can’t make any at all. Insulin helps break down the food your cells use for energy. When your body can’t break down this energy, you end up with high levels of sugar in your blood. Studies show that people at high risk for Type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the disease if they lose as little as 10 to 14 pounds (at a starting weight of 200 pounds). To begin your weight-loss journey:

Step 1 – Move more. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, five days a week. Walk during your lunch break. Park your car farther from stores or your office. If you haven’t been active for a long time, talk to your doctor about the best physical activity plan for you.

Step 2 – Make healthy food choices. Go with foods that are low in fat, sugar and calories. Limit your portion sizes. Eat a variety of colorful fruits and veggies. When you’re thirsty, drink water, which is calorie-free. And eat healthy snacks between meals so you don’t get too hungry.

Fruit is awesome! In addition to being high in fiber and vitamin C, most fruit is naturally low in fat, sodium and calories. Eating more of it as part of a healthy diet may even lower your risk for some chronic diseases. Plus, fruit is a great substitute for sugar in recipes and desserts.

The best time to buy different fruits is when they’re in season and at their peak flavor. Since the fresh kind doesn’t last long, stock up on dried, frozen or canned (in water or 100% juice) fruit to have a supply on hand. Make most of your choices whole or cut-up fruit, instead of juice, so you get more fiber.

Americans have a taste for salt (or sodium), which plays a role in high blood pressure. Everyone, including kids, should reduce their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Adults age 51 and older, African Americans of any age, and individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease should further lower their sodium levels to 1,500 mg a day.

Most of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods, such as pizza; cured meats, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs and cold cuts; and ready-to-eat foods, like canned soups. To minimize how much sodium you have each day:

• Eat fewer processed foods, in smaller portions.
• Read nutrition labels to keep track of how much sodium is in your food.
• Have lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are usually low in sodium.

Skip the salt when cooking and try other seasonings.

About one-third of Americans have high blood pressure, which raises your risk for heart disease and stroke. If you don’t have high blood pressure, you can take steps to prevent it. These healthy habits can help you keep your blood pressure normal:

• Eating healthy foods and limiting salt and alcohol intake.
• Being physically active.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Learning to relax, manage stress and cope with problems.
• Quitting smoking to protect your blood vessels.

If you have trouble keeping your blood pressure in check or have a family history of high blood pressure, talk to your doctor.