Promotion of good heart health should begin at birth

The majority of kids are born with very good cardiovascular health which has the potential to remain good into their adult lives if their hearts are treated well. However it has been estimated that approximately 91 percent of American kids have poor diets. Clearly the promotion of good heart health should begin at birth reports the American Heart Association. According to a a newly released scientific statement which has been published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation the majority of American kids don't meet the definition of ideal cardiovascular health in childhood by the American Heart Association. Julia Steinberger, M.D., M.S., who is the lead author of the new statement, says we should not take a wait-and-see approach in dealing with cardiovascular health of kids. Instead we should help kids maintain the good cardiovascular health most kids are born with. Kids should be encouraged to maintain a body weight which is healthy, get a minimum of 60 minutes daily of moderate to vigorous physical activity, eat a diet which is healthy and not use tobacco products. It is important to help kids strive for healthy cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels. It's a real challenge to get kids to eat well and to exercise regularly. However it's well worth the investment in their health now which can last with them throughout their lifespan to work with them to help them adhere to healthy cardiovascular nutritional and lifestyle habits.