Hundreds of scientific studies document the long-term benefits of regular exercise. These include increased longevity in both men and women and a markedly reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. Regular exercise can produce modest reductions in blood pressure and total cholesterol, LDL (the bad cholesterol), and triglycerides (another blood lipid), while raising levels of HDL (the good cholesterol). (People who have significantly elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure, however, usually need medication in addition to exercise and dietary changes to bring these problems under control.)