Promote healthy habits to prevent childhood heart disease

Parents might not think much about their children's heart health. Most of their focus is on common issues like sore throats or scraped knees. However, recent studies suggest that heart health is important for kids too. Experts recommend starting healthy habits early to prevent heart disease later. Here are some tips to help families live heart-healthy lives. First, eat a balanced diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while cutting down on processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Good nutrition is essential for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Next, staying active is crucial. Children over six should aim for at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. This can include organized sports, playing outside, or even helping with chores around the house. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important. Extra weight can stress the heart and lead to issues like high cholesterol and diabetes. A combination of healthy eating and regular exercise can help keep body weight in check. Monitoring cholesterol levels is recommended too. A heart-healthy diet during childhood can help lower cholesterol as they grow. Children should be screened for cholesterol between ages 9 and 12, but earlier screening may be necessary for those with a family history of heart disease. Reducing stress is vital, as chronic stress can harm heart health. Parents should model relaxation and encourage their children to take breaks. Sleep is another key factor. Kids need regular, quality sleep, which can be disrupted by various factors. The more sleep, the better, as it supports heart health. Finally, avoid smoking. Tobacco use is a major cause of heart disease and can also harm those around smokers. Keeping tobacco out of the home promotes better health for the entire family. By adopting these habits early, parents can help their children maintain a healthy heart for years to come.