The adage of ‘prevention is better than cure’ always remains true, particularly when it comes to heart disease. Any cardiology specialist in Hyderabad would recommend everyone to take the necessary steps to avoid heart ailments. Not just adults, even children should take these steps to reduce the risk of developing heart disease later in life. It is the responsibility of parents to teach their kids to have a healthy lifestyle.
While teenagers and children usually do not show symptoms of heart disease, the build-up of fat deposits can begin in childhood without you noticing. This can have a serious negative effect when children grow up to be adults.
Adult heart problems don’t typically manifest in childhood and show up only when they are much older. However, the root cause of these diseases can begin in childhood itself. Some of them include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even smoking.
This is where parents have an important role to play. They have a huge influence on their children and they can encourage them to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and discourage smoking as well. Parents need to make their children realize that they are primarily responsible for their health.
It starts with healthy eating
A healthy and balanced diet is important for adolescents and children. An important aspect of pediatric care is a diet that is low in fat and high in fibre. Kids should also avoid snacking too much between meals. If kids have a well-rounded diet that is recommended by medical specialists, it would be better for their development now and their health in the future. You should opt for online heart video consultation for kidsand discuss how to implement eating habits that are healthy for your kids’ hearts.
With your kids, you should avoid fast food as much as possible. If you do give them fast food, make sure it is only a small serving size. Over the years, there has been a reduction in the activity levels of adolescents and children. At the same time, obesity has become more prevalent among children. There is clear evidence that suggests that being obese is a risk factor for developing heart diseases later in life.
Parents can avoid their children from becoming obese by encouraging them to be active at home and in school. Children should be allowed to play outdoors for some time every day. Around 60 minutes of intense activity is recommended for children almost every day. Parents should also restrict sedentary activities as much as possible. There should be time limits for watching TV, using the computer, and playing video games. Parents should try to set good examples themselves by making exercise a part of their lives.
Risk factors
There is a direct relationship between the risk factors in adolescence and childhood and the chances of developing heart ailments later in life. Some of these risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, an inactive lifestyle, and smoking. Family history and genetics also play a role, including a history of early cardiac attack in the family. That is why it is important to obtain a thorough family history.
It is recommended to perform the necessary screening in children whose family members have had coronary heart disease before turning 55 or whose parents have high levels of cholesterol. You can discuss the family history of your child over online doctor consultationand determine if your child is at risk of developing heart diseases.
When it comes to exercising, it doesn’t necessarily have to be too complicated. Children should be encouraged to participate in dancing or organize sports. However, exercising shouldn’t be precluded if a child doesn’t formally participate in sports. Parents can themselves set examples and involve their children in family activities like bike rides and strolls.
Another huge concern is smoking among teenagers. Tobacco is addictive and there is a high likelihood of colon cancer, lung disease, and heart disease with smoking. So, parents should strictly discourage smoking by letting their children know about the harmful effects it can have on their health and life in general. It is the steps that you take today as a parent and prevents your child from suffering in future.
Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute, Banjara Hills, can be consulted for all kinds of doubts regarding heart diseases and common heart conditions in children.