updated on Medicine

Best heart-improving habits to consider

According to a recent study, our health and life expectancy strongly depends on our childhood. So, you should begin to care about your kid’s healthy lifestyle as early as possible. The cardiovascular system is one of the most vital parts of the human body — we simply cannot live without it. So, what to do to keep your child’s heart and blood vessels healthy?

  1. Know the possible risks

Unfortunately, most parents don’t think that their kids’ checkup results are something super important. But in reality, they are. You should always know the BMI (body mass index) of your children and how healthy it is. The healthy BMI of a grown-up person ranges from 19 to 25. In the case of kids and teenagers, the norm depends on their gender and age. If the BMI is higher than 85, the kid is simply overweight, but in case it’s higher than 95, it’s full-blown obesity.

  1. Is the blood pressure healthy?

Just as with BMI, blood pressure is affected by different factors — the height, gender, and age of the kid. So, it can vary greatly, which makes it harder for doctors and parents to notice any abnormalities. This means that it should be monitored very carefully and attentively in order not to miss possible bad signs. Measuring blood pressure should be started when the kid is three years old.

  1. Levels of triglycerides and cholesterol

Usually, these levels aren’t measured before the teenage years, but in case your kid has excess kilograms or is genetically prone to higher levels, it should be done. Also, if someone in your family has elevated triglycerides or cholesterol, don’t forget to tell your kid’s doctor about it.

  1. Take everything seriously

In case your kid is overweight, don’t think that it’s only baby fat. Such an approach can lead to severe problems. Any abnormal results of your child’s medical check should worry you. Consult with your pediatrician about it, and, of course, try to improve your kids’ lifestyle. Explain to them all the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Tell them clearly why they should avoid them during their whole life.

Give your children healthier food, and restrict their intake of sugar, bad cholesterol, artificial additives, and other harmful things. Try to involve them in some useful activities such as sports, jogging, exercising, or simply walking. And, of course, visit their pediatrician at least once a year.

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