Metabolic Syndrome: How to Prevent Disease and Enjoy the Gift of your Life

There are many people who have a great love and appreciation for cars. Suppose you have a Dad who loves you very much and one day he hands you the keys to a big beautiful car. The car is truly one-of-a- kind as there will never be another one just like it. This car is in pristine condition, and it is extremely special since it is the only car you will ever own. How would you treat the car? Most people would not forget to change the oil in the car for fear of destroying the engine. You would put air in the tires, rotate them and buy new ones to prevent a blow out on the highway or an accident. No one would put Kool-Aid in the gas tank or forget to wash the salt or dirt off the exterior in order to prevent rust and corrosion. Lots of people take great care in the upkeep and maintenance of their cars because it is much easier to prevent problems, and the breakdown of the car, than try to fix it after the damage has been done. Obviously, it is not a good idea to neglect our vehicles if we want to enjoy them for a very long time.

Our bodies are similar in many ways to the care and maintenance of an automobile, yet sometimes we can forget to take better care of our bodies than we do a prized car.

Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that can cause serious harm to our bodies if we neglect the great gift God gave us; this beautiful, “one-of-a-kind” body. Just like that perfect car, we are only given one body. Over 3 million people in the United States, and more than 9% of children (ages 12-20), suffer from Metabolic Syndrome which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The good news is there are many things we can do to reduce or eliminate the chance of these diseases and thereby decrease the possibility of early mortality.

The combination of obesity (especially an increased waist circumference) along with elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides and elevated blood sugar are the leading culprits for people who suffer from Metabolic Syndrome. A sedentary lifestyle in combination with poor nutrition can cause our bodies to become insulin resistant so our cells are not getting the insulin they need which leads to Type II diabetes. Of course, there are pharmaceuticals and treatments available, which should all be under the supervision of our doctors and medical care team, but there are many things we can do to prevent or correct Metabolic Syndrome and hopefully have a long and vibrant life.

Finding time to exercise and moving our bodies is extremely beneficial to our health. Walking on a regular basis is a good way to start moving, it isn’t necessary to start an exercise program with a grueling two-hour, high impact, weightlifting regimen. Start small, everyone can walk and improve on walking briskly. You may be surprised to learn that a daily walk can become enjoyable and something to look forward to. Walking improves blood flow to the brain as well as overall fitness and many people report improvements in mood and mental health by walking. Resurrection Health has a Nurse Personal Trainer available for consultation for your specific needs and lifestyle.

Yes, we all have hectic lives, but investing in this one and only body by moving and making your health a priority is probably the best thing you can do for yourself to prevent disease. You are worth that investment!

Just as we wouldn’t put poor quality gas or oil in our cars, it’s a good idea to consider the foods we put in our mouths. We all know good nutrition leads to more energy, an appropriate weight for our height and a more efficient immune system. As we eat better, we feel better. The less fast food, processed foods and junk foods we ingest, the more efficiently our “machine” runs. Whole foods, such as lean protein, fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains high in fiber help us feel and look our best. Resurrection Health has a Nutritionist on staff to help educate and guide you on the best foods for your specific needs. We also have a Behavioral Counselor who can help unlock reasons for our food decisions and help clients be aware of the reasons they may not be making the best choices for overall fitness.

Resurrection Health is under the direction of a Physician, Dr Authrine Whyte, and we now have the ability to provide the drug Semaglutide to clients who may need assistance in weight loss. A consultation can help us decide if you are a candidate for Semaglutide and you may discover our rates are more affordable than other providers, and our oversight is pretty phenomenal, too! There are also other supplemental options available given through injection or IV solution such as Lipo B, Vitamin B 12 and Amino Acids (just to name a few) that may aid in weight control. A healthy weight reduces, and could prevent, the cycle of the cluster of diseases that constitute Metabolic Syndrome (elevated blood sugar, elevated BP and elevated triglycerides). You are the owner and operator of your body but there is a “pit crew” of Resurrection healthcare team members who would be honored to assist you in the shared decision making for your health and fitness.

If you are reading this and wondering if it’s too late and there is too much damage already done, rest assured, it is not too late. Metabolic Syndrome can be corrected and there are Concierge Nurses at Resurrection Health who would be happy to discuss a plan to get your body in optimal shape.

Good health is a priority for everyone. No one wants diabetes which can lead to kidney failure, nerve damage or loss of vision. No one wants heart disease which can lead to hardening of the arteries, stroke and heart attack. Prevention is the key to living a long life and being able to enjoy it as disease free as possible.

The motto of Resurrection Health is “Nourishing cells, Nourishing souls”. We recognize that we aren’t just a body, we have been given a soul to go with it. A Father who loves us actually did “hand us the keys” to this one-of-a-kind body and soul. As we appreciate and improve in the care of this gift of body and soul, we may discover we have more energy and goodness to put out into the world and that is an awesome way to share this precious gift with others.

The staff of Resurrection Health would be honored to work with you in looking and feeling great.