QUESTION: My husband and I are very concerned about the future health of our children.
Both our families have histories of both heart disease and cancer. Though our two youngsters are still under the age of 9, we would like any suggestions about things we can do now to prevent future tragedies.
What good counsel do you have for us?
ANSWER: There certainly are plenty of ways to promote good health early in life, and parents are wise to help children learn good health habits when they are young.
Medical evidence proves that the time to prevent chronic disorders is in early childhood, rather than after years of abuse. Prevention of heart attack and stroke can easily begin in young children with the proper diet.
Pay attention to including a variety of foods, with plenty of vegetables, fruits and grain products.
Choose foods that are low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.
If all of this is a bit confusing, check with your doctor for a good food plan. The diet restricts fat intake to 30 percent of total calories and cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg a day.
The American Heart Association Diet is well balanced and rich in vitamins and minerals. Teenagers should be taught how to perform breast and testicular self-examinations. You can set a good example by not smoking or drinking excessively as both are very bad health habits, and children tend to mimic their parents' behavior. Teach your children at a young age that exercise is fun and should be a regular part of each day's activities.
You might try to find a type of exercise you can all participate in, like hiking or bicycle riding.
Also, find a doctor that your children like, so that when they are feeling ill they won't resist seeing the doctor promptly.
That permits an early diagnosis, which is the first step in preventing unnecessary and dangerous complications. Leading your children in these fine health habits may help you solve your own concerns, and convince you that you have provided them with the healthy head start they need and deserve.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
