Metabolic syndrome.

This article discusses metabolic syndrome, which has recently been defined by the National Institutes of Health (2001) and affects approximately 47 million Americans. Suggestions have been included for risk factor identification, prevention measures, and intervention guidelines for the components of metabolic syndrome. Many Americans with metabolic syndrome will be in the workplace. Thus, the role of the occupational health nurse in the prevention of metabolic syndrome is vital. Prevention measures for metabolic syndrome focus on the education and encouragement of employees to attain or maintain healthy lifestyles. For employees with identified risk factors, collaboration between the occupational health nurse and the employee provide an avenue for healthy employee outcomes.