Notice that the title of this article says that smoking is voluntary, if you are a smoker and have tried any number of times to quit, you probably think that smoking is anything but voluntary. But let's admit to the truth, you do choose each and every time you light up, you could just as well choose not to.

I have a good friend who is and has been a heavy smoker for the 20 years I have known him. About 10 years ago he had a heart attack at age 45, which resulted in a quadruple bypass. When I visited my friend at the hospital, he was scared half to death, he said that his doctors told him he would need to make some lifestyle changes, one of which was to quit smoking . He swore that he was at that point, done with tobacco forever...well that lasted 2 weeks, he had made a choice. This is a guy who was and still is in fairly good physical condition, his job is physically demanding, he is active in some sports, not overweight. So his major risk factor is most likely smoking, and he has chosen to still smoke. He is about 5 years younger than me and, sadly I fully expect that I will attend his funeral. So you see it really is a choice, not always a wise one, but still a choice.

Well let's get real...I know, I was a heavy smoker for over 25 years before I convinced myself that I had a choice. Quitting by whatever method you choose is not a walk in the park! That's what this newsletter and in fact what this entire site is all about, helping you with tips, motivation and resources to overcome your health challenges.

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Cholesterol:
Cholesterol is a blood fat needed by the body in moderate amount. But high cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease and even heart attack. Cholesterol is carried in blood by lipoproteins and deposited in the walls of arteries which therefore narrow and when they block the arteries completely, cause heart attack and strokes.

Methods of increasing good cholesterol or lowering bad cholesterol levels include cholesterol reducing drugs such as statins, fibrates, and nicotinic acid and bile acid resins. High cholesterol level often begins in child hood. Some children may be at a higher risk due to family history of high cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in all parts of the body. This includes nervous system, skin, muscle, liver, intestines and heart. It is made by the body and also obtained from animal products in the diet.

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