> Risk Averse continued
amount of research from adults that says that this particular clustering of risk factors is very concerning . In fact , at one time the metabolic syndrome was referred to as ‘ the deadly quartet .’ We want to convey the seriousness of this condition to patients ,” says Dr . McNeal . “ It helps them better understand their condition and motivates them to reverse their risk factors and protect themselves from developing diabetes and / or cardiovascular disease .”
Smoking markedly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease ; especially when it is paired with poor eating habits and lack of physical activity . In fact , these three avoidable problems are the top three actual causes of the majority of deaths in the United States .
“ Besides genetic composition — what we ’ re born with — all other risk factors are reversible based on a person ’ s willpower to live healthy ,” says Dr . McNeal . “ Our job is to work with adults and children to identify health risks that are manifested in poor lifestyle choices and in some cases , inherited conditions .”
Maria ’ s family history For years , Ms . Gomez , a sophomore in high school , battled her weight without success . Her primary care doctor was concerned because the Gomez family history included diabetes and heart attack . He referred the family to Scott & White ’ s pediatric endocrinology specialists and to Dr . McNeal . The team worked together to put the Gomez family on a path toward health .
“ Maria ’ s grandfather passed away
“ Besides genetic composition — what we ’ re born with — all other risk factors are reversible based on a person ’ s willpower to live healthy .”
— Dr . McNeal
several years ago ; he was a diabetic who had to have his leg amputated . And her grandmother died last year of a heart attack , so there is significant family history for us to consider ,” says Mrs . Gomez , Maria ’ s mother . “ We realize we can ’ t change our heritage , but it has become our incentive to live healthier lives .”
For Ms . Gomez , the first warning sign was a dark ring that formed around her neck . This is known as acanthosis nigricans , which is a visible sign that the child could develop diabetes . When we got the referral to see Dr . McNeal , we decided to have all three daughters tested ,” says Mrs . Gomez .
While Ms . Gomez , the oldest daughter , showed the greatest risk for diabetes , none of the other girls had yet developed risk factors for diabetes or cardiovascular disease but the entire family needed to work on changing their habits . Dr . McNeal emphasizes that it requires the complete commitment of the entire family to keep children like Maria healthy .
Family changes for the better Dr . McNeal and nutritionist Gladys Skinner , RD , LD , a dietitian in Cardiology , implemented a plan for the Gomezes that included nutritional counseling , an exercise routine and medication to control Ms . Gomez ’ s risk factors . Mrs . Gomez says , “ We see Dr . McNeal and Gladys every three months . They have taught us how to read food labels , what portion control means and the importance of consistent physical activity . It was hard to make the changes in the beginning and progress was slow at first , but we really have seen results over the last year .”
Beyond a general desire to decrease her weight and live healthier , Ms . Gomez dreams of joining the US Air Force after she graduates from high school . “ I am in the Jr . ROTC program at school and the training we do as a group really motivates me . With the weight I have lost , I have gained confidence and have more energy ,” she says . “ I feel like I can finally do the things I set my mind to accomplish .”
Beyond her ROTC training , she also
16 THE CATALYST Spring 09