During the month of September, we celebrate National Cholesterol Education Awareness Month. This is an important month because having good cholesterol matters for everyone. Sadly, heart disease is the number one killer for Americans – and high cholesterol is a key risk factor. By managing your cholesterol levels, you can reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Many people assume that high cholesterol comes from genetics, but it usually happens from a poor diet and lack of exercise. Talk to your doctor about the best steps to take, which typically involve eating healthy, exercising regularly and quitting smoking.