Heart Health for All Ages

With how serious heart issues are in our country, we want parents to be intentional in helping their kids build towards a healthy future. It's never too early to teach them to care for their heart, and with that in mind, here are some tips and sources of information for your family:

• Exercise! This is such a simple but overlooked necessity. And don't brush this off as "yea yea I know." Get your kids moving. Get your family moving. Make it an activity for everyone. Take walks, play outside, do jumping jacks during commercials if you're watching TV... Get creative with this and have fun. The American Heart Association has plenty of great tips here to help incorporate daily activity into your family's life.

• Eat healthier. We know, none of these are mind blowing revelations. But heart health isn't a mystery. We just need to be serious about it. It's simple and small steps that add up to make a lasting impact. Here's a list of "15 Heart Healthy Foods" from Cleveland Clinic.

• Know your family history and be aware of any increased risks. Talk to your doctor about what you can do specifically.

Doing these things with your kids has the extra added benefit of being healthy for everyone (not to mention quality family time if doing exercise together)! If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact our offices.