Author: Davena Longshore
Published: April 11, 2024
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. A combination of factors characterizes it, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These conditions can lead to inflammation in the body and damage to blood vessels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is unknown but associated with insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells do not respond appropriately to insulin. Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Davena Longshore, CIHC, MIS, MS, Ph.D.
Dr. Davena Longshore is the director of research and development for the Cummings Foundation for Behavioral Health. She has master’s degrees in both psychology and computer information systems. Her most current research centers around the efficacy of wellness programs in law enforcement; however, her previous research was on the improvement of the intimate relationships of individuals with borderline personality disorder. Dr. Longshore is passionate about multiculturalism, community mental health, diversity, social justice and reform, inclusion, and identity development. She hopes to deconstruct and annihilate institutional and systemic barriers for individuals of diverse communities through research, psychotherapy, and advocating within government for the equitable distribution of resources. Dr. Longshore has over 20 years of experience in leadership, advocating for inmates, youth, the gender nonconforming, individuals from low SES backgrounds, and victims of intimate partner violence within the United States and the Bahamas. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Clinical Psychology, the Society for Criminal and Police Psychology, the Society for Prescribing Psychology, and the Society for Human Resource Management.
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