When the cartoon character Courage the Cowardly Dog's owner Eustace Bagge is taken over by Big Toe, a menacing microbe that talks like Edward G. Robinson in the movie "Little Caesar," you know that swollen, purple digit is up to no good.

The same could be said for the increasing menace of swollen digits that often signal a gout attack.

Overall, the prevalence of gout in North American has increased as much as fourfold in the past 40 years.

Around 8.3 million folks now have the condition, and as more people are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (three or more of these five conditions: high triglycerides, a large waist size, low healthy HDL cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure), the number of cases will skyrocket further.

One study showed that 63 percent of folks with gout also had metabolic syndrome; while only around 25 percent of folks without gout had it.

Although it's a form of arthritis, gout is also associated with an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Eating high-purine foods such as red meats and shellfish, being overweight, and drinking too much can contribute to developing gout and triggering attacks.

You can help prevent gout by keeping blood pressure and blood lipid levels in check; avoiding most saturated and all trans fats, as well as processed carbs, added sugars, and syrups.

In addition, you should walk 10,000 steps a day (1 minute of aerobic activity equals 100 steps), and de-stress with 10 minutes of mindful meditation daily.

Toe the line, and Big Toe will be nowhere around!