Caregiver Millington TN

Metabolic syndrome is a medical condition that is common, yet still being researched. In a way, metabolic syndrome is still misunderstood by medical professionals and many doctors even question whether or not it should be considered to be a specific medical condition. However, if your loved one has been told that they have metabolic syndrome, the diagnosis can be alarming and even scary for caregivers. This is because metabolic syndrome is actually a group of risk factors which can raise your loved one’s risk of serious medical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. The risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome are high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), and having abdominal fat. When your loved one is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, you may be wondering if there are ways that you can help. In fact, there many ways caregivers can help their loved one with metabolic syndrome. Since metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors, your loved one must work toward reducing or eliminating those risk factors. This can be done largely through lifestyle changes which you as a caregiver can help your loved one with. Here are some of the lifestyle changes that your loved one can make to treat their metabolic syndrome:

• Exercising More
Since having excess abdominal fat is one part of metabolic syndrome, losing weight is important. Exercising more is one way your loved one can lose some extra pounds, including some of the abdominal fat. However, losing weight isn’t the only reason why your loved one with metabolic syndrome should begin a regular exercise routine. Exercise also can help lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol, which are other parts of metabolic syndrome. Encourage your loved one to find a physical activity that they enjoy and can consistently do regularly.

• Eating a Healthy Diet
When your loved one eats a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein they can lower their blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure. In addition, it can help them to lose excess weight. Help your loved one by preparing new and interesting recipes that are low in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, but are nutrient-dense.

• Quitting Smoking
Quitting smoking is a good decision for overall health as well as managing metabolic syndrome. Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease, which is why it is so important for your loved one to quit if they do smoke. Encourage your loved one to talk to their doctor about smoking cessation and then be supportive of them as they go through the process of quitting.

For in-home caregiver service in Millington TN, please contact the caring staff at Personal Care Services MidSouth today!