We pay a lot of attention to our financial investments to ensure we have a good nest egg for our retirement.
It's unfortunate that so many of us don't invest as much in our long term health to make sure we will be fit enough to enjoy spending that money. Many people sit way too long at their computers or in front of their tvs and give little thought to the long-term health effects of such a sedentary lifestyle.
Overweight and Obese
Weight control and regular exercise are important but so is the food you eat. One third of the population is overweight and another third is actually considered obese. A diet that is mostly made up of convenience foods, processed food and take-out is at the root of the obesity epidemic.(1)
Major Risk For Cardiovascular Disease
One third of Americans have metablolic syndrome and the risk increases to over 40 percent for those over 60 years of age.(2) The metabolic syndrome, aka syndrome X, is a group of risk factors that are associated with increased body weight.
Two thirds of the North American population is either overweight or obese.
These individuals have a greater risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke and are more likely to die from it.
The Role of Insulin
Insulin resistance plays a key role in the incidence of the metabolic syndrome and obesity.
As cells become less sensitive to insulin, a condition called insulin resistance develops. More and more glucose remains in the blood and this triggers the production of even more insulin.
Eventually the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin and the person develops type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome is usually completely reversible provided you take action before it’s too late.
Simple Changes Could Save Your Life
It is much harder to reverse
things once your condition progresses to heart disease, stroke or type 2
diabetes. You can take control and reverse the situation by:
- Watching your weight and going on a diet if necessary.
- Take a 30-minute walk every daily.
- Eat a healthy low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet.
- Take Supplements: seniors and people who don’t get much sunlight often have low vitamin D levels. Low vitamin D is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. (3)
Pay yourself first by taking a 30 minute walk at least 5 times a week. You’ll feel better and you also get to bank the gym membership fees!(3)
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