How I started to manage my cholesterol and my weight. 

09/03/1992: Total Cholesterol 194, Weight 183.

...11 years without a physical examination by a doctor...

01/17/2003: Total Cholesterol 245, Weight 195.

...attempt diet modifications and exercise, with little impact: TC is 225, 246, 222, 239, 248.

03/15/2004: Start taking 10mg Lipitor.

05/11/2004: Total Cholesterol 182, Weight 197.

05/13/2004: Increased to 20mg Lipitor.

...TC 187, 178, weight 199...

12/06/2004: Start twice weekly 1 hour strength workouts with personal trainer, aim at additional 6 hours/week of aerobic exercise (walking, biking, treadmill, stepmill). Log my daily workouts in an Excel spreadsheet, keep track of wine consumption, too.

...TC 149, 181, 173, 134, weight 196, 194, 192, 185

08/11/2005: Total Cholesterol 150, Weight 182

...TC 164, 162, 130, weight 184, 183, 182

04/19/2006: Ran out of Lipitor, decided to see what happens to my TC

06/01/2006: Total Cholesterol 230, Weight 184 -- oops! Restarted 20mg Lipitor;

...TC 177, 157, 186, 159, weight 184, 183, 180, 178...

01/24/2008: Total Cholesterol 168, Weight 179

Lessons Learned:1) I have to take Lipitor (or some other statin?) to manage my TC;2) Tracking my daily exercise helps me ensure I hit my goal of 8 hours/week (2 strength + 6 aerobic)3) If I want to lose weight, I need to reduce my caloric intake.4) No amount of exercise can make up for eating more.5) Since I started my regular exercise program, I almost never get sick.6) The strength workouts (lots of core strength) ensure I never have back aches.7) I have much more energy when I'm working out.

--Ben