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Conclusive research demonstrates that the early stages of heart disease develop during childhood. With childhood obesity climbing at alarming rates, children are at risk of developing heart disease and diabetes much earlier in life. Help your child develop good physical activity and eating habits at a young age by:
- Setting a good example. Practice heart-healthy habits yourself! Make it a family affair!
- Planning family activities together. Plan biking, hiking and skiing outings – something that the entire family can enjoy.
- Encouraging children to make the decisions. Give your child choices when it comes to heart healthy foods and activities. Giving children the power of choice encourages a high self-esteem and skill development.
- Asking your child for help with food preparation. Let him/her choose the recipe and help you shop for the ingredients.
- Taking your child grocery shopping. While going grocery shopping may seem boring to you, it is often a very exciting environment for children. Encourage your child to pick out his/her after-school snacks for the week.
- Limiting sedentary activities. There is a direct correlation between television viewing and obesity in children. Replace sedentary activities with outdoor activities, yard work or spontaneous play.
To learn more about raising healthy active children, please click on the following links:
A Guide to Healthy Eating: Kid-Friendly Tips and Food Ideas
Let’s Go Shopping
Fit Kids and Fit Parents Equals Fit Families
Recommended Web site and Books
For More Information
Please call the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation at (612) 863-3979 or email
us at educ@mplsheart.org for more information on this or
other heart-health topics. Remember too, that information provided on this site is meant to supplement, not
take the place of recommendations from your primary health care provider
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