Children Should Begin Heart-Healthy Habits

The path to heart disease begins in childhood, so children should begin healthy-heart habits early, says a U.S. pediatric cardiologist.

It’s important for children to adopt healthy heart habits early, said Dr. Thomas Klitzner of Mattel Children’s Hospital at the University of California at Los Angeles. The path to heart disease begins in childhood. Obesity and high blood pressure are becoming more prevalent in children and young adults. By introducing the concepts of regular exercise, good nutrition and avoiding smoking, children can make heart-healthy habits part of their lifestyle for the rest of their lives.

For a healthy heart, children and adolescents should:

– Watch no more than one hour of television a day — including non-schoolwork-related computer activities and video games.

– Make a point of getting outside and being active for at least 30 minutes every day.

– Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

– Avoid fast food and fried food, and eat in moderation.

– Don’t smoke.

– See your pediatrician for all regularly scheduled visits.

– Report unusual feelings, such as a racing heart or feeling faint, to an adult.