Have a Heart: Set a Healthy Example for Children in Your Life

February is Valentine’s Day month, with hearts in abundance wherever you gaze. This is a good time to look inward at your own heart and the hearts of those you love, especially children.

A new University of Miami study reveals some alarming news: When young kids are overweight, heart disease risk factors such as elevated cholesterol and artery inflammation can begin as early as age three.

The study’s lead author, Sarah Messiah, unequivocally states, “There’s clearly a link between weight and cardiovascular risk.”

Previously, it was thought that the health consequences of childhood obesity were not manifested until the children were much older. This study confirms that the dangers are present in children ages three to six.

Get Off the Couch and Into the Park

What can you as an adult do to prevent, halt or possibly reverse the disease process? Make sure the children in your life eat healthfully and obtain sufficient exercise, and set a heart‐healthy example yourself. When you and a child get up off the couch, away from your gadgets and out in the park, it will do both of your hearts good and keep them pumping as they should for many years to come.

Take it from an organization with a heart in its logo: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with just one piece of candy and a whole bunch of heart‐healthy food and active fun. 

About this column: Hospice of the North Coast provides Patch readers with ways to live well and age well each month. HNC is a non-profit located in Carlsbad.