Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Spring 2020
On a list of the greatest gifts you could give your kids, a healthy heart would be near the top. After all, heart disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer. And it often starts in childhood. Helping your kids develop lifelong heart-healthy habits, especially those centered around eating well and being active, is one way to give that gift. Use these tips to make heart health a family affair: » » Check in with a doctor. Ask your children’s doctor if they should be screened with blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol or body mass index (BMI) tests. These offer clues about heart disease risk. » » Find time to eat together. Frequent family meals promote healthier eating and healthy weight. » » Don’t insist on a clean plate. Allow your children to stop eating when full. » » Emphasize healthy foods. Make fast food the exception, not the rule. And cook heart-friendly foods at home. » » Increase fruits and vegetables. They help with weight and blood pressure control. » » Make a menu change. Yank saturated fat, excess sodium and added sugar from your family’s menu when possible. Helping your kids develop lifelong healthy habits is one way to give the gift of a healthy heart. Make healthy hearts a 8 VITALITY Spring 2020 COMMUNITY HEART HEALTH
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