Metabolic Syndrome more common in men, women of color
Nearly 50 percent of older adults today have a condition called Metabolic Syndrome, according to Tak Poon, M.D., cardiologist and developer of an innovative new program designed to target the problem.
Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of metabolism disorders that includes high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, abnormal blood lipid levels and excess body weight, particularly if distributed around the waist. "Metabolic Syndrome is more common in older adults, white men and nonwhite females," Dr. Poon said.
"Metabolic Syndrome makes you more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even cancer," the cardiologist said. "In fact, the presence of three or more of the disorders dramatically boosts chances of developing potentially life-threatening illnesses."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, men with three of five of the metabolic disorders were 76 percent more likely to develop heart disease and had 3.5 times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A person with all five abnormalities is 25 times more likely to get diabetes.
Dr. Poon and other Mills-Peninsula doctors, nurses, nutritionists, counselors and exercise physiologists teamed up to create a program to help people improve each of the disorders that make up Metabolic Syndrome. Mills-Peninsula piloted the program with employees this year.
The results are promising. "When nutrition, exercise, stress and wellness were addressed, Metabolic Syndrome either disappeared or abnormalities were greatly reduced," Dr. Poon said.
After 16 weeks, 68 percent of the participants no longer met the criteria for Metabolic Syndrome.
Nearly all reported an increased sense of overall wellness. Time spent exercising increased 400 percent. All reported a decrease in stress levels, increased use of relaxation techniques and an improved quality of life.
Mark Goldrath, a pilot participant who has diabetes, lost 23 pounds, 4 inches around the waist, and dramatically improved his lipid profile.
Mills-Peninsula plans to offer the new program to the community early in 2005. Look for more information in future issues of Senior Focus News, HealthPoint or on Mills-Peninsula's web site at www.mills-peninsula.org.
Weight, cholesterol, blood pressure key to syndrome
People with metabolic syndrome have at least three of the following traits, according to Tak C. Poon, M.D., Metabolic Syndrome program developer and cardiologist:
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