Session About Metabolic Syndrome Scheduled for May 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2008

A two-hour teleconference will focus on metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases a person's risk of type 2 diabetes and some cardiovascular diseases. The session is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. Dietitians, home economists, health care professionals, and others interested in the latest research are welcome to participate in this in-service opportunity.

The enlarging girth of Americans in the last decades, caused by poor lifestyle choices, is leading to increased risks of many chronic diseases. The last several years has seen much research interest in a relatively new diagnosis—metabolic syndrome—that is used for assessing future risks of some diseases. Clinicians evaluate a handful of biomedical markers including blood levels of fasting glucose, plasma triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Additionally, blood pressure and waist circumference are measured. If an individual has reached or exceeded threshold levels of any three or more of these markers, the person is diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome.

Robert J. Reber, Ph.D., U of I Extension nutrition specialist, will discuss the parameters used to diagnose metabolic syndrome and possible ways this condition could cause increased risk of some chronic diseases. Reber will also review recent research that indicates the types of lifestyle changes adult Americans can make to reverse this condition and lower associated risks.

This session is the last in a five-part series co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Development Team and the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois. Two hours of in-service education credit are available from the American Dietetic Association for dietitians who attend. A $10 registration fee is required. For more information about this session contact University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at 815-235-4125.

University of Illinois Extension is a statewide educational network that links the resources and research of the University of Illinois to the people of Stephenson County. Our program and workshops, which take place throughout the community, address issues involving youth, families, community development, agriculture, and natural resources. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any of our programs, please call the Stephenson County Office at (815) 235-4125.