When Fitness is a Lifestyle

Spring is here and it’s nice to see so many people getting outside and doing yard work, taking the kids to the park and getting out of the house. This newsletter I am going to talk primarily about women’s health issues.

Fact: One in three women will die of heart disease.
Fact: 80 percent of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes could be prevented by exercising, eating a healthy diet and not smoking.
Fact: Women are at greater risk for diabetes than men.
Fact: Women who have diabetes are five to seven times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Whereas men are only two to three times likely for the same result.

Here are some warning signs that should get you going on an exercise and eating plan:

Clinical Identification of the Metabolic Syndrome -
Any 3 of the Following:

Risk Factor Defining Level

Abdominal obesity*
 Men
 Women

 Waist circumference**
>102 cm (>40 in)
>88 cm (>35 in)

Triglycerides greater than or equal to150 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol
 Men
 Women		 <40 mg/dl
<50 mg/dl
Blood pressure greater than or equal to130/ 85 mmHg
Fasting glucose greater than or equal to110 mg/dL

 * Overweight and obesity are associated with insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. However, the presence of abdominal obesity is more highly correlated with the metabolic risk factors than is an elevated body mass index (BMI). Therefore, the simple measure of waist circumference is recommended to identify the body weight component of the metabolic syndrome.

** Some male patients can develop multiple metabolic risk factors when the waist circumference is only marginally increased, e.g., 94-102 cm (37-39 in). Such patients may have a strong genetic contribution to insulin resistance. They should benefit from changes in life habits, similarly to men with categorical increases in waist circumference.

 

Metabolic syndrome is another term for insulin resistance. Type II diabetes is quickly becoming the next huge health epidemic. I am not sure why so many people are complacent about adult onset diabetes. The problem lies with people who are not exercising, and are still eating too much refined white sugar and flour.

I am very fortunate my wife is an excellent cook, and is very aware of good food choices. I recommend to my clients to eat more at home. Most food eaten outside the house is filled with excess calories, sugar, fat and salt. I know we are all busy with work, kids and every other responsibility. Do you have time to treat your diabetes? Wouldn’t you rather do something now? Later may never come, or it could be too late. In my opinion, most women are so focused on nurturing everyone else that they forget to take care of themselves. Ladies, we need you! It’s been my experience that women who put themselves first, by eating right and exercising are better wives and mothers.

If you are currently taking care of yourself, keep up the good work! If you have let yourself slide down the food chain, I would be happy to get you back on track. You are given ONE body-please take better care of it. We live in such a disposable society; I think sometimes we treat ourselves the same way.

Clients of the month

All of my wonderful women clients. You are such great caregivers, and put in more time and energy than any of us men could ever understand. For you men, please make time to help the special women in your life to stay healthy and happy for many years to come.