An article written in US Pharmacist discusses the rise of cardiovascular disease in children. I hope this is a shocking statement. It needs to be a shocking statement because it is scary to think that the children of the next generation will be dying of adult diseases before they reach adulthood. The risk factors for cardiovascular disease that we physicians are starting to see in children are overweight and obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Obesity and metabolic syndrome both have links to abnormal lipid profiles (increases in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol “bad cholesterol” and decrease in the HDL cholesterol “good cholesterol”). The increase in abnormal cholesterol creates fatty streaks in children and progresses to blood vessel disease in adulthood. These fatty streaks can lead to deadly diseases like heart attacks and strokes.
What does all this mean for our children? It means that we have to start with health-based interventions now. Overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and fatty streaks are all problems that can be prevented and managed through behavioral changes and lifestyle. We have to teach our children that eating healthy and exercise are part of a balanced enjoyable life. The best way for children to learn is through the examples that we set for them. When they see the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles learning nutrition and trying new recipes it gives them (the children) the incentive to learn it too. When we decided to go for a walk as a family instead of watching a movie it shows them how to have fun in a new way. Creating a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of so many chronic illness including heart disease that we can’t afford not to embrace health for ourselves and our families.
Be Well,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.amazon.com or www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Daemon "Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed her training at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is certified as a General Practitioner by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). Dr. Dae provides tailored treatment to meet the unique needs of every individual she sees in her practice. She also provides specialized support for persons challenged by nutritional deficiencies, weight problems, hormonal and reproductive system disorders, attention deficit disorder and those experiencing chronic diseases. Dr. Dae is an adjunct faculty member for Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts. She is the author of Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living, The Healthydaes Newsletter, and is a regularly featured writer for the Elite GoogleNews Website empowher.com where she shares her personal and professional vision for living whole and living well. To learn more about Dr. Dae, her products and services, please visit her on the Web at www.Healthydaes.org