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Improving your health as an adult is important, but what can parents do to help kids with heart health? Follow these tips!

When we think of heart health, we usually focus on improving it as we get older. However, you can make a big difference in your child’s life by focusing on it as early as possible. By developing heart-healthy habits now, you’ll help your kids reap the benefits later in life.

“If a child sees that eating well and getting plenty of exercise is important to his mom, dad and other family members, he is much more likely to adopt a similar lifestyle as he gets older and eventually moves out of the house,” says Dr. Colin Kane, M.D., a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Health and Director of Cardiology Outreach at UT Southwestern. “It’s not fair to tell the child to eat carrots and celery when he sees other members of the family eating French fries. Similarly, if the child sees mom and dad watching a lot of TV, he is likely to do the same.”

Tips for Raising A Heart-Healthy Child

Working Out

What Can Parents Do To Help Kids With Heart Health?One of the best things you can do as a family is to make regular physical activity a part of your routine. There are various activities you can do together that will improve your health such as riding bikes, taking a walk, going swimming, or playing sports. By doing fun activities, you’ll make it easier for your kid to want to be healthy. You can also use this opportunity to celebrate them and promote a positive sense of self-esteem.

Limiting Screen Time

Part of being physically active also includes limiting the time you spend in front of a screen. Spending too much time in front of a TV, computer, phone, or tablet can lead to a sedentary life and consistent snacking. As a result, your child will have a higher risk of becoming obese and developing cardiovascular disease. Cut down your screen time to two hours a day and spend more time being active.

Regular Checkups

While getting regular checkups may seem more fitting for adults, they can also help kids. For instance, if your child is joining a sports team, it’s a good idea for them to get a physical evaluation from their pediatrician. Their doctor can help identify if they’re at risk for sudden cardiac death and rule it out or provide the necessary guidelines and treatments.

The Outlook

L-arginine PlusThese are only some of the things you can do to improve your kid’s heart health. For example, you can also take them grocery shopping and teach them about reading nutrition labels or you can keep healthy food and snack around for when they get hungry.

Whatever you do, what’s important is that you instill a sense of responsibility regarding heart health from a young age. You can lead by example through regular exercise, healthy eating, and taking supplements like L-arginine Plus. While your kids may not take these supplements, you can give your own health an extra boost with them that will help promote your circulation and heart health. Take heart health seriously by teaching your kids to be healthy and by supporting your own with L-arginine Plus.