Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008 - (Page 29)

❋ YOUR SCOR ECAR D ❋ A Elevated blood pressure— 130/85 or higher B Reduced HDL (“good”) cholesterol—less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women (circle the correct answer) E Elevated F All of the fasting glucose above levels—100 mg/dl or greater C Elevated triglycerides— D Increasing waist 150 mg/dL or higher circumference A People with excess body fat B Carnival workers C People with a history of diabetes in their family D Merchant marines E A and C F B and D A Arterial damage, which can lead to heart disease or stroke B A decrease in insulin production, leading to type 2 diabetes C Constant yawning because of a slower metabolism D A and B E None of the above A Lose weight B Increase your exercise regimen C Reduce your intake of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol D All of the above E None of the above answers (F) According to the American Heart Association, the presence of three or more of these characteristics means you may be one of the 50 million Americans affected by metabolic syndrome. As for that waistline, if a man has a girth of 40 inches or more and a woman has a waistline of 35 inches or more, each is at risk. (E) Others at risk of developing metabolic syndrome include people with telltale signs of insulin resistance such as acanthosis nigricans—the appearance of “dirty skin” on the back of the neck and underarms—and skin tags. Metabolic syndrome is often called insulin resistance syndrome; insulin resistance is a disorder in which the body can’t process insulin effectively. In addition, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood 1 2 Institute, Hispanics and Asians have a greater risk of metabolic syndrome than other races, with Mexican Americans having the highest incidence, accounting for 31.9 percent of all cases. (D) Another health problem involves the kidneys’ ability to remove salt from the bloodstream, which can lead to high blood pressure as well as heart disease and stroke. There’s also an increased risk of blood clots, which can block arteries. (D) Increased activity— 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity per day—can help you lose weight, as will a reduction in the bad fats in some foods. That can, in turn, help you improve your insulin levels. And if you smoke? Stop. Smoking has been shown to increase insulin resistance. 3 4 Metabolic syndrome is one of thousands of health-related concerns and topics addressed by Centura Health’s online ADAM® Health Encyclopedia. This illustrated encyclopedia offers alphabetized, clickable lists of common health concerns and conditions to get you the information you need. Other online resources include: Advance directives • • Risk assessments • Symptom guide • Drug information • Physician directory • Health news • Online heart center Check it out at centura.org. answers online, any time what if you already have metabolic syndrome? Exercise, watching what you eat and weight loss are what the American Heart Association calls “ﬁrst-line interventions” to help you manage the syndrome. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help your body process insulin more effectively. at your fingertips To access these resources, visit the website of the Centura hospital in your local community at avistahospital.org, stanthony central.org or stanthonynorth.org. Click “Our Specialties,” then “Find Information.” go vim & vigor · wi nter 2008 29 http://www.centura.org http://www.avistahospital.org http://www.stanthonycentral.org http://www.stanthonycentral.org http://www.stanthonynorth.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008 Contents Friendly Faces For Your Health 'Tis the Season to be Safe Eat Your Veggies Joint Effort Fresh Beginnings Decades of Opportunity Keeping Score Your Big Give Roll Up Your Sleeve Tidings of Comfort and Health Blueprint for Safety The Smoke-Free Mom-to-Be Childbirth Trends Moms Choosing Midwives Community Sections Dollars & Sense Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008

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