Heart Health & Kids - Big Y® World Class Market®

Registered Dietitian Carrie Taylor, RD, LDN and Nutritionist Andrea Samson, BS

When individuals hear about heart disease, stroke and diabetes, they think of adults. However, these diseases are now threatening the quality of life of children. Recent estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention propose sobering data — 1 out of 3 children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes and this same generation may be the first in American history with shorter lives than their parents. These statistics arise from a chain of events that begin early.

Fat buildup in arteries starts during childhood and is impacted by lifestyle choices. Undesirable diet and activity behaviors can lead to obesity, increasing the risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and thereby cardiovascular disease.

To help determine cardiovascular disease risk, blood cholesterol levels have been developed for children. Between the ages of 2 to 19 years old, the acceptable target for total cholesterol is less than 170 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), less than 110 mg/dL for LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, greater than or equal to 35 mg/dL for HDL (“good”) cholesterol and less than or equal to 150 mg/dL for triglycerides. Data from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) show that 10.8 percent of adolescents ages 12 to 19 have total cholesterol levels exceeding 200 mg/dL, putting them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

How to Reduce Your Children’s Risk
Start by limiting the time your family spends being sedentary and become more active. Set time limits on computers, televisions and gaming systems. Enroll together in classes at your local YMCA, have children join an after school sports team, and enjoy playing outside together. Even in the winter! Try activities like snowboarding, skiing and sledding.

Build healthy food relationships by not labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” All foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle, even the most delicious and decadent ones. By focusing your family’s meal plan on nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes (beans), lean meat, fish and low-fat dairy while monitoring portion controlled treats, you can teach children important steps to creating healthy eating for life.

Maintain balanced nutrition while eating out with your children, too. Choose nonfat or low-fat milk over soda, baked potatoes rather than fries and grilled chicken instead of fried. If soda or juice drinks are chosen, keep intakes to one serving versus having refills.

Whether your family has been working toward living a healthier lifestyle or is just starting, it is never too late! Reducing your children’s risk for heart disease in childhood will improve their quality of life for years to come.

Have a Nutrition question?
Ask Big Y’s Wellness Team:
Registered Dietitian Carrie Taylor, RD, LDN and Nutritionist Andrea Samson, BS

Visit BigY.com’s Living Well Eating Smart webpage and post a question.

Send e-mails to: askcarrie@bigy.com

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2145 Roosevelt Ave.
PO Box 7840
Springfield, MA 01102