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Jun 19, 2009 9:00 am US/Central
Doctor On Raising Heart-Healthy Kids
Dr. Jennifer Ashton Offers Her Advice On Keeping Your Child's Heart Fit
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 12.5 million children are overweight or obese putting them at risk for heart disease.
So, how can you keep your child's heart healthy?
On The Early Show Friday, CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton shared a discovery from one New Jersey school: many kids already know about exercise and healthy eating for better heart health. But, according to Ashton, parents need to play a role in making that knowledge a part of everyday life.
In part three of the three-part "Heart Watch" series, Ashton offered her tips on keeping your child's heart fit.
"We need to be good role models and set a good example for our kids," Ashton said.
But what does that mean for you?
Ashton said making good choices in your daily routine, like not smoking, eating well and leading an active, heart healthy life yourself are great ways to start your child off right.
Another essential, Ashton said, is to provide a healthy diet for your children. Parents can start by limiting soda, candy and fast food.
And packing healthy school lunches, as well as eating family meals together, she said, are important. Ashton added shopping together is a great way to teach good nutrition. She said parents and children can learn about proper nutrition by looking at products' labels together.
"Everyone's life is so hectic," Ashton told CBS News, "and it takes a little more effort, but it pays off with better health in the long run."
Living an active lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for exercise is also important for kids, Ashton said.
The American Heart Association says screen time, including television, movies, and computers for entertainment purposes, should be limited to less than two hours a day. The AHA recommends doing physical activities for an hour a day.
And finally, parents, she said, should try limiting driving when it's possible to walk or bike. And parents, she said, should try to make family outdoor activities fun for their kids.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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