Seven Ways to Jump-Start Kids’ Heart Health

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The American Heart Association has come up with Life's Simple 7 for kids — easy but critical lifestyle choices to protect children's heart health now and in the future. Here are the basics and ideas on how to incorporate them into your family's life.

1. Eat Healthy
Kids’ diets should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, oils and protein-rich foods.

Try: If you have a picky eater, offer bananas with yogurt dip or celery with peanut butter.

2. Move Every Day
Preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) should stay active all day long. School-age kids and teens need a daily hour of exercise.

Try: Stretch together each morning, take jump-rope or push-up breaks during TV or study time, and take a walk after dinner.
ry: Stretch together each morning, take jump-rope or push-up breaks during TV or study time, 
and take a walk after dinner.

3. Keep Weight in Check
Healthy eating, physical activity and reducing screen time keep away extra pounds.

Try: Make sure your kids are getting enough sleep. Tired kids eat more and move less.

4. Steer Clear of Smoking
What is one of the best ways to prevent your kids from smoking? Turning down tobacco yourself.

Try: Talk to your kids and help them rehearse responses to peer pressure.
 
5. Control Blood Sugar
More children and teens than ever are developing type 2 diabetes. Ask your child’s healthcare provider about testing.

Try: Serve water and milk, not fruit juice or soda, to reduce their blood sugar.

6.  Check Blood Pressure
Hypertension is rising among kids and teens.

Try: Get them screened each year starting at age three.

7. Learn About Cholesterol
Most kids should get their first blood cholesterol test between ages 9 and 11, then every five years afterward.

Try: Limit foods high in trans fats like frozen pizza or packaged cookies.

Need a healthcare provider? WellConnect offers a complimentary concierge service where you can connect with specialists who help with establishing relationships with healthcare providers, navigating health insurance, and accessing CRH services.

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