Protect Teenage Heart Health with Healthy Lifestyle

Pediatricians may start to warn people about the symptoms of heart disease for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released information about new research has shown that one in five American teenagers already has one risk factor for developing heart disease in adulthood.

February is American Heart Month, so heart disease will be in the spotlight, but most of the focus will be on adults. Sarah Wally, a dietitian with the National Association for Margarine Manufacturers stated in a press release that it is a mistake to focus on adults "Although heart disease is typically diagnosed in adulthood, its roots often begin in childhood," says Wally. "Heart disease is the result of a lifelong process and intervention strategies to reduce risk should begin as early as possible."

The report from the Centers for Disease Control stresses the need to intervene at an early age. The CDC report reveals that 20% of children and teens in the U.S. Have an abnormal lipid profile. An abnormal lipid profile is a sign of high triglycerides, low levels of good cholesterol or high levels of bad cholesterol. This is an indication of future heart disease risk.

The study indicates that attention to heart disease risk should be paid to children and teenagers. Early intervention in eating and lifestyle habits can lay the groundwork of a lifetime of healthy habits that help to build good health.

Children and teens can learn to make healthy choices during the day, so they make good food decisions on their own. Small changes in diet can make a difference, such as switching to 1% milk, eating whole grain bread instead of white bread and finishing each meal with a serving of fruit. These are simple changes and can add up over time.

In addition to making good dietary decisions, children and teens can get into the habit of working physical activity and exercise into their routine. A great activity goal is to get 60 minutes of physical activity a day. If getting a solid hour of exercise at one time is not feasible, break it up into shorter bursts of activity. Four 15 minutes bursts of activity build up into a full hour of physical activity. Make it fun by setting a goal and keeping track of the time.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a question or concern about health matters, please consult a physician.

EurekAlert: Lifestyle changes for teens critical in light of heart disease risk; Kellen Communication 2-Feb-2010

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