The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) is pleased to present the 2004 National Cholesterol Education Month Kit. Please follow this link to see the full kit contents. The online format of the kit makes it easy to access and disseminate information on cholesterol.

Cholesterol Month 2004 extends the theme, "Know your cholesterol numbers, know your risk." This theme emphasizes two of the main thrusts of the cholesterol guidelines: the importance of having your cholesterol measured and knowing your risk of developing heart disease. This year's Cholesterol Month kit contains a variety of materials that will assist you in bringing information on cholesterol lowering into your community, program, or practice.

Cholesterol Month is a good time to recharge your cholesterol education activities. Research has clearly shown that lowering cholesterol can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. In July 2004, the NCEP published a paper entitled Implications of Recent Clinical Trials for the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines, which updates some elements of the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) cholesterol guidelines released in 2001. The ATP III update has been endorsed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the American Heart Association, and the American College of Cardiology. Based on a review of five clinical trials of cholesterol-lowering statin treatment that were conducted since the release of ATP III, the update offers options for more intensive cholesterol-lowering treatment for people at high risk for heart disease. This kit makes it easy to access the press release on the update as well as the update paper itself. In addition, other materials in the kit deal with lifestyle changes that are recommended as the primary treatment for lowering cholesterol.

Here are some of the items included in your kit:

	A press release describing the update paper and the suggested modifications in ATP III.
	The update paper, Implications of Recent Clinical Trials for the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines.
	Suggestions on simple steps you can take to reduce your risk for heart disease.
	Links to heart-healthy recipes, including African American, Latino, and Stay Young at Heart favorites.
	Ten great ideas to help you promote National Cholesterol Education Month.
	A Chart your progress - Reach your goal worksheet to help you keep track of your cholesterol numbers.
	Questions and answers about the new food label: saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.

Full kit contents.
 

These files are not copyrighted and may be formatted, photocopied, or otherwise reproduced for use in your current or future projects without permission. If you do reprint NHLBI materials, please cite NHLBI as the source.

These are just a few of the materials in your kit. You may find other items that suit your needs, so please take a look at all of them. Please follow this link to see the full kit contents.