Wellness Tip: Metabolic Syndrome

How many of you are making New Years Resolutions for 2014? If improving your health is a priority for you and your loved ones in 2014, a simple blood test can tell a lot about your health; and a biometric screening can help in the early detection of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome graphic

What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—increased blood pressure, a high blood sugar level, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels—that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Having just one of these conditions doesn’t mean you have metabolic syndrome; however, any having three or more of these conditions increase your risk of serious disease—you are twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times likely to develop diabetes compared to someone without metabolic syndrome.

If you have metabolic syndrome or any of the components of metabolic syndrome, lifestyle changes can delay or even prevent the development of serious health problems.

Do You Have Metabolic Syndrome?
If you have three out of the following five health conditions, you have metabolic syndrome.

MEN

• Waist circumference is equal to or greater than 40 inches.
• Triglycerides are equal to or greater than 150
• HDL is less than 40
• Blood Pressure is equal to or greater than 135/85
• Fasting Glucose is equal to or greater than 110 OR your A1C is equal to or greater than 6.4

WOMEN

• Waist circumference is equal to or greater than 35 inches.
• Triglycerides are equal to or greater than 150
• HDL is less than 50
• Blood Pressure is equal to or greater than 135/85
• Fasting Glucose is equal to or greater than 110 OR your A1C is equal to or greater than 6.4

Metabolic Syndrome is Treatable
STEP 1: Start making changes to your lifestyle by picking one or two of the following:

• Lose weight
• Work towards daily physical activity
• Improve your nutrition to achieve a more heart healthy diet (lower saturated, trans fat and cholesterol)
• If you smoke, work towards quitting for good!

STEP 2: If lifestyle changes aren’t enough your doctor may prescribe medicines. Medicines can help to control:

• Blood pressure
• Triglycerides
• HDL cholesterol
• Blood glucose

Help is Available
After you discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor, the Campbell County Health (CCMH) Wellness Department can provide a healthy starting point with healthCHECK+. HealthCHECK+ is like a traditional health fair, where many of you had your blood drawn once a year in the past, but the main difference is this fair is available Monday-Friday from 6-11 am year-round. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also request appointments online.

For a bit more incentive, the department is offering a free complete blood count test (CBC) through February 1, 2014, if you download this coupon. Learn about all the healthCHECK+ screenings available at www.ccmh.net/healthCHECKplus.

The department also specializes in comprehensive corporate wellness programs. Learn how the Wellness Department can help you at www.ccmh.net/wellness.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic.