By Dr. Brian McDonough

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Finally, some great news about the health of young people.

According to a ten-year study by the CDC, cholesterol levels have actually improved in this group. This news is in the face of news that the obesity epidemic is still a problem.

According to the report, this improvement is mostly seen in a reduction in the amount of bad cholesterol, as well as overall cholesterol reduction. The major reasons for the reductions may be the fact that many communities have been working hard to cut the amount of trans fats in foods.

The reason for optimism is because we know a great deal of damage to blood vessels is done when people are in their teens and twenties. Making changes at this point can have a major effect.