HEALTH & WELLNESS
excess blood clotting and inflammation or swelling throughout the body – you also may develop metabolic syndrome. Why are law enforcement officers and first responders particularly at risk?
As you know, the daily work of law enforcement officers and first responders demands great physical and emotional commitment. Stressful work conditions such as responding to unpredictable, intense and possibly life-threatening activities puts you at increased risk for some of the factors of metabolic syndrome such as high blood pressure.
Other occupational elements that also contribute to your risk include:
• Irregular physical exertion, such as long periods of relative inactivity between emergencies, can cause weight gain and obesity.
• Unhealthy diet / limited availability of healthy food options can lead to high lipid levels and contribute to insulin resistance.
• Exposure to loud, disruptive noises like sirens and alarms can cause spikes in blood pressure.
• Increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder( PTSD) has been shown to increase heart rate and cause changes in blood pressure. What can you do to reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome and its causes?
The first step in reducing your risk of metabolic syndrome is making healthy lifestyle choices that include losing weight, working toward a more active lifestyle, eating a healthy diet and stopping smoking. Be sure to talk with your doctor about specific ways of incorporating these elements into your daily life. If necessary, your doctor also can prescribe medications that may help reduce your risk of the conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. This message is sponsored in conjunction with HERO, Stay Healthy Stay Strong. d www. njcopsmagazine. com ■ JUNE 2016 89