How to Prevent Clogged Arteries in Children

Reduce the Risk of Arterial Plaque Buildup in Kids

Jan 20, 2009 Charlina Stewart

The continual surge in obesity is making more and more children vulnerable to health problems associated with having clogged arteries.

Arterial plaque buildup blocks the flow of blood to the heart, brain, and other vital organs in the body. This causes serious health problems such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and stroke. Clogged arteries can also shorten a child’s life span.

It has been shown that kids who are excessively overweight can have the arteries of a middle-aged person – and high fat diets and lack of physical activity are mostly to blame. Parents can help prevent clogged arteries in children and put them on the fast track to life-long health with a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise.

Modifying Kids’ Eating Habits

Start by minimizing the amount of unhealthy foods kids consume. Parents can bake or broil kids' favorite foods instead of frying them. On those rare occasions when fried foods are being served, use healthier oils like coconut or olive. Offer children more fresh fruits and vegetables during meals and snacks. Provide healthier alternatives to everyday junk foods. One doesn’t need to banish cookies and chips completely, but serve them to children in moderation.

Prepare more meals at home and stay away from fast food restaurants. When eating out is unavoidable, make it a point to select healthier menu items such as baked potatoes, steamed veggies and salads. Also, kids should not be allowed to super-size their menu choices just to save a few pennies; it's not worth the long-term cost to their health.

Encourage More Physical Activity in Children

Ideally, children should get at least one-hour of physical activity each day. Organized sports, outdoor play, bike rides around the neighborhood, skating, trips to the zoo, and hiking are all great forms of exercise for children. The more varied the exercises are, the more likely youngsters are to stick to it.

If children seem overwhelmed by a complete lifestyle overhaul, start with small changes. One would be surprised how the tiniest things such as putting an apple in a child’s lunchbox instead if a snack cake, or taking five minute walks in the evenings can make a huge difference in his health. Gradual changes will give kids a chance to ease into new habits and they'll be more likely to continue them when they get older.

Prevention is always best; but if your child is already suffering from health problems as a result of obesity, talk to his pediatrician before making any drastic changes in his diet or exercise regimen.

References:

American Dietetic Association. Accessed 1-14-09

American Heart Association. Accessed 1-14-09

The copyright of the article How to Prevent Clogged Arteries in Children in Early Childhood is owned by Charlina Stewart. Permission to republish How to Prevent Clogged Arteries in Children in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Prevent Clogged Arteries in Kids