Heart Healthy Lifestyle for Children

According to World Health Organisation, maximum number of deaths in adults is due to cardiovascular diseases. American heart association states that the risk factors responsible for heart diseases are laid in childhood, which gets carried to adulthood, leading to heart diseases.

Parents and the society where they live in contribute to a greater extent in adopting certain healthy habits which reduces the chances of heart problems as they grow up. The two important factors that influence the health of children are:

• Healthy Eating Habits: Studies show that one out of three kids in America is obese or over weight. Obese children are at greater risk of developing several health disorders. Today’s children are surrounded by many tempting high calorie foods, without close monitoring, it is difficult to keep up an appropriate weight. Fibre rich diets like fruits, vegetables and grains are low in calorie and rich in vitamins. These should be recommended in regular meals of children. Controlling the intake of pizzas burgers, fried foods, chocolates, ice-creams, cakes and processed foods will have greater impact on their weight. Though complete restriction will be a torture for kids, limiting them itself will give good results in long run. Aerated drinks for children have to be avoided. Healthy homemade snacks are best for children. Healthy food choices not only keep them away from diseases but also keep them active in their daily activities.
• Physical Activity: Sedentary life style is adopted by many children these days due to T.V., computer games, internet and video games. Parents should encourage and take part along with children in outdoor games and activities. Cycling, skipping, swimming or any other type of severe physical activity for at least 60 to 90 minutes for children is important for healthy heart. Reducing stress, keeping kids away from smoking and drinking are also equally important. Adoption of healthy life style habits by parents, in first place, is most important as it influences children to a greater extent.