Metabolic Syndrome on the Rise in Teens and Adults
Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Children’s Hospital in Boston have found a concerning trend in the health of Americans – metabolic syndrome is on the rise. This condition, which is a combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and abdominal obesity, greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and adult-onset diabetes. The incidence of metabolic syndrome in women has increased by almost 25% over the last decade. Men have shown a 2% rise. About 10% of all teens have metabolic syndrome, and one-third of obese teens have the condition.

Dr. Sears comments: So what does this mean for adults? Here’s the bottom line – adults who have abdominal obesity (large waist line, but normal face and extremities) are at a high risk of having elevated levels of either blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar. And obese adults who have two or three of these abnormalities are very likely to become diabetic and suffer a heart attack or stroke. Adults with abdominal obesity should take serious steps to improve their health through good nutrition and exercise before high blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar sets in.

What does this mean for kids? Kids who are overweight, especially those with abdominal obesity, should talk to their doctor about having cholesterol and blood sugar testing, as well as blood pressure. If any of these are abnormal, a serious program of healthy diet and exercise should be instituted to prevent adult-onset diabetes and heart disease. If tests are normal, such a program should still be put into practice before metabolic syndrome sets in.

Click here to read more about our LEAN Program to prevent and treat childhood obesity.

Flu Vaccine in Short Supply
The U.S. lost approximately half its Flu vaccine supply when one manufacturer experienced problems making the vaccine this year. The flu shot is therefore being reserved for those who are most in need of flu protection – infants and the elderly.

Dr. Sears comments: Click here to read more about whether or not your child should get the flu shot.