Your Child's Health - Archive

Also in this issue: Learning to Share: It’s Not Easy for Young Children Picking Snacks for Picky Eaters Hand Washing: Don’t Give Up on Plain Soap and Water When That Belly Discomfort Won’t Go Away Stop Dating Abuse Before It Starts NEWSLETTER HOME PAGE		Heart Health Starts Young Good diet and exercise habits pay off in adulthood You’ll rarely see the effects of high cholesterol in a child, but the silent build-up of fatty plaque in blood vessels can start young — and cause trouble later. “That’s why good cardiovascular habits, including regular exercise and an active lifestyle, as well as an appropriate diet, are so important to instill in childhood and adolescence,” says Dr. Sarah Blumenschein, a preventive cardiologist at Children’s Medical Center. “Several risk factors in the young relate to heart disease later in life. Besides high cholesterol, they include obesity, inactivity, smoking and high blood pressure.” Dr. Blumenschein, who also is an assistant professor of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has seen obesity levels rise as children’s activity levels drop. Snack, portion control Besides offering children a balanced diet, try to limit snacking and serving sizes. “The trend toward super-sizing everything is resulting in super-sized American kids,” Dr. Blumenschein says. “Exercise is important, but it does not need to be complicated — a body needs simply to move.” Genetics also plays a role in heart health. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends performing selective screening in children whose first- or second-degree family members have had evidence of coronary artery disease below the age of 55. Screening also is recommended for children whose parents are known to have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, even if they have not yet developed coronary artery problems. Doctors usually prescribe medication only as a last resort in treating high cholesterol levels. “The initial strategy is first to do diet modification and start a formal exercise program,” says Dr. Blumenschein. Two keys to healthy hearts: Exercise For children ages 5 and older: Provide at least 30 minutes of enjoyable, moderate-intensity activities each day. Provide at least 30 minutes of vigorous physical activities three to four days a week. In lieu of a 30-minute activity, provide two 15-minute or three 10-minute periods of activity appropriate for your child’s age, gender and development. Diet For children ages 2 and older: Total fat should be no more than 30 percent of daily calories. Saturated fat should be no more than 10 percent of daily calories. Dietary cholesterol should be less than 300 mg per day. Use the “age plus 5” guideline for fiber. A 7-year-old should eat 12 grams of fiber: 7 + 5=12. When daily calorie intake reaches 1,500, raise fiber to 25 grams. Children should eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Resources The Heart Center at Children’s Last reviewed: February 2009		Find a Speciality & Service Request an Appointment Support Children's childrens.com
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