21 Jun 2014 Do you have metabolic syndrome?
by Karl Lenser
Most people recognize the fact that being physically active promotes good health and an overall sense of well-being. There are dozens of positive effects that being active has on your body and its internal engine (metabolism).
Some of the main benefits include a reduced risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. A regular exercise routine will also provide you with greater energy and the ability to manage stress much more effectively. Exercising on a regular basis will strengthen your heart and lung capacity, reduce excessive body fat and improve your metabolic fitness.
Metabolic Syndrome is a condition that is the opposite of having good metabolic fitness. This condition develops in many individuals who are sedentary and choose to eat a high fat, high cholesterol diet.
The American Heart Association and the American Medical Association have defined the characteristics of metabolic syndrome.
People who have AT LEAST THREE of the following characteristics have metabolic syndrome:
Blood Pressure above 130/85
Fasting blood sugar of 100 or higher
Blood triglycerides of 150 or higher
HDL cholesterol of less than 40 for men and less than 50 for women
Abdominal circumference of 40 inches or higher for men and 35 inches or higher for women.
If you have at least three of the five characteristics listed above, you have a greater risk for heart disease, diabetes and having a stroke. The combination of these characteristics basically wreaks havoc on your internal engine and the systems that sustain your body.
The best way to combat this syndrome is to get moving and make healthier food choices. Being consistent with a physical activity program or routine will help reduce the risk for many diseases such as:
Heart disease Cancer (Colon, Breast, Rectal)
Hypertension Peripheral Vascular Disease
Diabetes Osteoporosis
Stroke Obesity
As I have told my Concepts of Fitness students at Hendrix and UCA, if you take care of your body, your body will take care of you. Treat it properly and you will receive many benefits and rewards that will improve your health, but it will also provide you with more energy and the ability to cope with stress much more effectively. Exercise is medicine that has dozens of positive side effects!
Get moving and improving!
A Conway resident, Karl Lenser is the director of wellness programs at Hendrix College. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. An accomplished runner, he can be reached at [email protected].
