Start early: How to keep your child’s heart healthy
India is grappling with the rise in non-communicable diseases, especially childhood obesity and lifestyle-related disorders. Some heart-friendly exercises can help safeguard children’s future well-being.
India faces a high burden of non-communicable diseases with rising rates of childhood obesity and lifestyle-related disorders.
Most lifestyle disorders and obesity at an early age can lead to various diseases in later life, especially cardiovascular diseases.
Childhood obesity is a growing concern in India and is expected to account for 11% of the global burden of childhood obesity by 2030.
If there is a history of heart disease in the family, such as heart attack, parents need to encourage their children to take care of their hearts. Children with a hereditary predisposition have a higher risk of developing heart problems as adults.
Dr. Rishi Bhargava, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, emphasized the importance of heart-friendly practices that can safeguard your child’s future well-being.
regular exercise: Children should engage in at least 45 minutes of physical activity daily. Activities like walking, running, playing cricket or swimming as a family can motivate them to stay active. If your child is interested in a particular sport, enrolling him in a program can boost his fitness and overall health.
Limit screen time: Excessive screen time can lead to sedentary habits and increase the risk of obesity, which can put a strain on the heart. Encourage your child to spend time outside or engage in physical sports that enhance both physical and cognitive health.
Balanced diet: Make sure your child’s diet includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and nuts. Consumption of processed and fried foods such as French fries, soda and sweets should be minimized, as they are high in fat, sugar and cholesterol, which can have negative effects on heart health.
Regular checkup: Regular health checkups are essential for early detection of potential heart problems. Making sure your child gets enough sleep and remains stress-free also plays an important role in maintaining heart health.
By adopting these habits, children move on the path to a healthy heart and a healthy future.
