How to Get Your Kids Hearts Healthy

Over the past 25 years ours children's lives have changed dramatically. They spend their time with computers, cell phone texting and video games instead of playing outside. What a different world we live in today. Our demanding schedules unfortunately subject them to unhealthy portions of fast foods, sodas and other greasy, unnatural products. All of these habits can hasten the onset of heart disease. Research has shown that most American teens already have fat developing in their arteries. Unfortunately this can lead to blocking of these arteries and eventually a heart attack. The good news is that parents can take steps to prevent early cardiovascular disease from developing in their children. This article will address the issue and propose some solutions from the American Heart Association to help circumvent the problem.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Engage your children with physical activity.
   
   Your kids need at least an hour of exercise every day. They don't have to do it all at once! This can be accomplished in 10 minute increments. 3 days a week, children need high intensity exercise. They also need to incorporate activities that build muscle and strengthen bone at least 3 days a week. The remaining activities can consist of moderate-intensity exercise and activities that improve body composition.

2. 

   Children love to ride bikes, rollerblade, skate, Razor (scooter), play football and baseball. Encourage them to play with the neighbors as much as possible. If you can limit the television, PC and cell phone use to about 2 hours a day, that's a step in the right direction.

3. Start eating healthy now!
   
   Both you and your kids will benefit from a steady diet consisting of fruits and vegetables every day.
   Try changing from white bread to whole wheat, even if you have to cut off the crust, it's still better for them. Lean meats and low-fat dairy products are key to a healthy heart. Finally, reduce all snacks that are high in trans fat, saturated fat, sugar, salt and calories. Try to have them drink water and low fat milk instead.

[coriannlentz]

on 11/9/2009 Great article! Well written, helpful tips, and great ideas to keep our kids healthy and fit! 5* and rec!

[zarcov]

on 11/9/2009 GOOD INFO