Raising heart-healthy kids

It’s never too late to adopt healthy habits to help protect your heart—and it’s never too early, either.

 

The risk factors for heart disease start to develop during childhood years. Fortunately, you can help kids reduce some of those risks by helping them develop healthy heart habits while they’re young.

 

Heart disease risk factors that can affect kids

Some conditions that increase heart disease risk can begin in childhood:

• Unhealthy cholesterol levels. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some children already have unhealthy cholesterol levels, which can worsen as they grow older. Unhealthy cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaque in arteries, and raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Plaque buildup can start during childhood, according to the AHA.
• High blood pressure. Like unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood pressure can contribute to the buildup of plaque on artery walls.
• Overweight and obesity. Obesity is also a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. About one in three children and teens in the U.S. is overweight or obese, according to the AHA.

 

What parents can do

There are a variety of things parents can do to help kids establish good heart health early in life.

 

Play every day. Exercise can strengthen the heart and help with weight management, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Health experts generally recommend children and teens do 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. Parents should encourage exercise by helping kids find an activity that they really enjoy and by being active together as a family.

 

Eat heart-smart foods. Like exercising, eating well can help kids maintain a healthy weight and control cholesterol and blood pressure levels. From kid-friendly dinner recipes to healthy snacks, check out these heart smart foods for kids.

 

Limit screen time. Smartphones, TVs and other screen-based devices are making kids more sedentary, according to the AHA. And being sedentary is tied to obesity and being overweight.

 

Avoid tobacco. Smoking is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Like other unhealthy habits, it can start during childhood. Encourage kids to stay away from cigarettes. And if you smoke, kick the habit for your own heart's sake.

 

To start with, be a good role model. Not only will your kids follow your lead, your heart will benefit as well.

 

Is your child due for a well-child check? Looking for a new pediatrician? Log in to your AZ Blue Portal and click Find Care to find a provider and schedule an appointment today.