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According to a 2011 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, almost 1 in 5 Canadians suffer from Metabolic Syndrome. And, women have a higher risk than men. Are you part of the 20% of Canadians with this life threatening condition?

Metabolic Syndrome

There are several risk factors that add up to a condition known as Metabolic Syndrome. These include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels and an excessive waist size. You may recognize these conditions as precursors to two serious health risks – cardiovascular disease (specifically arteriosclerosis a.k.a hardening of the arteries) and diabetes.

Reversible Condition

Metabolic Syndrome need not be a chronic condition. Lifestyle changes including regular exercise and a healthy diet can lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure and support weight loss and weight management. However, sometimes these lifestyle changes need a jump start. Metagenics is a product line of targeted nutritional supplements and medical food programs that are specifically designed to counter the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome. In addition, Metagenics has created a lifestyle coaching program called FirstLine Therapy (FLT) to provide individual support through these changes. Marks Pharmacy not only offers the full line of Metagenics products but they have a Certified FLT Coach on staff.

Detecting Metabolic Syndrome Before it’s Too Late

While any doctor can help you monitor your blood pressure and a scale or measuring tape will tell the truth about your weight, gauging your heart’s health can be trickier. Ask any survivor of a heart attack and they will tell you they wish they could have seen it coming. There is a way to look into your heart’s health future and it doesn’t require a crystal ball. Scientists have developed a medical assessment tool that uses the arterial pulse to determine the health of the arteries. It’s called the BPro system and it reads the arterial pulse wave to detect any early signs of hardening of the arteries. The procedure is non-invasive and available mostly through health centres.

Don’t Wait(list)

Luckily, people in Vancouver don’t have to deal with a doctor or get on a waitlist to gain access to the potentially lifesaving BPro analysis. The BPro is available at Marks Pharmacy (3750 Oak St. @ W. 22^nd Ave.). The process is simple. A monitor is attached to your wrist and the device reads your arterial pulse wave. The results from this reading are sent to a Canadian Cardiologist for review. If there is any reason for concern, the Cardiologist will alert your doctor and you’ll be scheduled to see a Cardiologist in person, as soon as possible. Talk about being proactive about your health! This ability to judge the health of your heart before you’re in danger of a heart attack could be lifesaving. Why wait until your heart is in distress to do something about your cardiovascular health?

To find out more about supporting your cardiometabolic health or to book an appointment for the BPro analysis, call 604.731.8535 or stop by Marks Pharmacy on Oak Street at W. 22^nd Ave in Vancouver.