Weight and Cardiovascular problems

The idea of a kid having cardiovascular disease may seem ridiculous, but it’s not. A study hosted by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Heart and Stroke foundation studied 63 obese children and 55 normal weight children. Researchers evaluated blood pressure, lipids (cholesterol in the blood), echocardiograph exams (ultrasound of the heart and blood vessels) and body mass index (BMI) for each child. The scientists found that, in the obese children, blood pressure was only slightly higher and cholesterol levels were normal, yet they were shocked to find that the obese children’s arterial health was abnormal. These kids had significantly impaired elastic qualities of the aorta – otherwise known as Atherosclerosis. Their arteries were already hardening! Typically, atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) is something that only “older” people aged 40+ worry about. Most people never even set foot inside a cardiologist’s office until they are over 35. According to a 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Survey, 17% of US kids aged 2-19 are overweight or obese. That’s over 9 million kids. And an estimated 15% more are at risk for becoming overweight. Is your kid one of the 9 million that are at risk for heart disease? If your child is overweight or if your family has a history of overweight or obesity, now is the time to take action. These days, most schools are cutting recess and physical education time, as well as sports and other recreation programs. The answer is in your hands, parents. It’s a matter of life and death – literally! Here are at Amita Holistic Healing Center top recommendations for keeping your children fit, eliminating obesity and staying heart healthy. Have a variety of nutritious foods easily accessible at home. Stock your fridge with fresh fruit and veggies. For quick snacks, try apple slices with nut butter or carrot sticks with hummus. Don’t keep candy, cakes, cookies, ice cream, and other highly processed junk foods in the home. Encourage your child to make healthy choices when eating outside your home. Kids love to hang out at fast food restaurants and pizza shops. Help them find things that are nutritious to eat at their local favorite hang-out so they can be with their friends and stay healthy. Create substitutions for soda. Offer pure water or sparkling water with a splash of cranberry, lemon or lime instead. When juices are consumed, cut with water or check labels to ensure they do not contain high fructose syrup or other added sweeteners. Get your child active on a daily basis. This can mean signing them up for sports, speaking with your child’s school PTA about lobbying for more physical education time, using after school and weekend family time for physical activities or encouraging them to try dance, yoga or other creative movement groups that focus on fitness. Use non-food rewards to motivate your child. If your child is used to receiving food as a reward for finishing homework or doing well in sports, try another approach. Reward by taking them to a special event such as a movie, sporting event, theater or a day trip. This will lessen the focus on food, which will help later in life as well. Notice your child’s response to stress around food. Some kids use food as a way to deal with stress or anxiety. Sound familiar? Maybe you do, too. Find physical activities or another outlet for stress that is a healthier choice. Utilize your child’s school counseling services if necessary. Lead by example. Cook and eat nutritious food. Make exercise a priority. Deal with stress and anxiety in healthy ways. Include the whole family in planning, shopping for and preparing healthy meals. Kids follow your lead – even if you don’t think they notice. Your behavior makes a difference in their behavior long-term. If you need some help getting on the right path with these suggestions or if you need assistance in addressing a medical condition that is leading to your child’s weight issue, it’s time to partner with Dr. Tatyana Yakovleva, who specializes in weight issues. Dr. Yakovleva is an expert in the field and has been supporting families’ health for over 20 years. She will take the time to fully evaluate your child, complete with a comprehensive health history, physical exam and diagnostics and then create a customized treatment plan including the most safe, natural diet and supplement regimens available. Dr. Yakovleva also uses herbs, homeopathy, and many other holistic therapies to gently restore balance to children and adults. Are you ready to begin? Call 718-375-1144 to make an appointment.