Is Convenience Making You Fat?
30 minutes spent walking up the stairs burns 300 calories, while a ride on the escalator – 10 calories at best.
Shopping in the supermarket? 150 calories, but emailing in the order - not even 20.
One hour washing the dishes - 161 calories! Pushing the Start button … okay, you got the point.
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., affecting 59 million adults, and growing. Basic lifestyle changes, can help reverse the trend.
47 Million Americans Have Metabolic Syndrome
Obesity is closely associated with Metabolic Syndrome, a combination of
medical disorders that ultimately result in insulin resistance, and a higher risk for
heart disease, stroke and
diabetes. Also known as Insulin Resistance Syndrome, or Syndrome X, an estimated 47 million Americans, that is approximately 1 in 5, have Metabolic Syndrome
.
Metabolic syndrome is defined as having three or more disorders that are related to your metabolism all at the same time. High blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist (an apple shape), abnormal cholesterol levels, and an elevated level of the blood fat called triglycerides, are all indicators for Metabolic Syndrome, and together they cause a person to be glucose intolerant or insulin resistant, so that their body can no longer properly process blood sugar. Having just one of the conditions doesn't mean you have Metabolic Syndrome, but it does contribute to your risk of serious disease.
How To Treat It?
Lose Weight
The #1 treatment option for Metabolic Syndrome is weight loss. Small changes can mean major improvements, in fact, as little as a 5 – 10% reduction in body weight has been shown to result in significant improvement in the risk factors associated with Metabolic Syndrome.
Get A Sleep Test
Studies have indicated that there is a potentially strong connection between Metabolic Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Consider getting tested in a sleep lab or ordering a home sleep test to see if you are suffering from this common sleep disorder which can remain undiagnosed for years.
Long Term Lifestyle Change
Take control of your health with these lifestyle modifications that will help you feel good and reduce your risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome and related health risks:
- Modify Your Diet – Eat more fruit and vegetables and lower your intake of saturated fats, whole milk products and carbohydrates.
- Increase Physical Activity – Engage in moderate-intensity physical activity at least 4 times a week.
- Reach Your Optimal Weight – Slim down to the weight determined to be appropriate for you by your physician.
- Meal Replacements- In addition to proper diet and exercise, meal replacements which are specially designed for your health needs, can be an efficient way to boost weight loss and optimize results.
The Aviisha Medical Wellness Institute is known for its integrated approach to treating patients with Metabolic Syndrome through weight loss, sound sleep, and lifestyle modifications designed for better health and wellness. At their centers in Southern California, patients undergo sleep tests, and receive a customized weight loss plan with meal replacements and nutrition supplements for effective long term weight control.
Dr Avi Ishaaya, Director of the Institute, and a leading sleep disorder specialist in Los Angeles is helping patients make lifestyle changes designed to prevent illness and improve their overall health. With innovative ideas such as 10,000 Steps, patients wear step counters to ensure they walk at least 10,000 steps each day.
Next time you are about to get on an escalator - stop a minute and think – wouldn't you be better off taking the stairs?