Cardiovascular health is something we usually tack onto the list of “adult issues.” In doing so, however, we’re doing a disservice to the younger members of our families. In 2022, the American Heart Association reported a 2022 study that showed that less than 30% of children ages 2-19 met high heart healthy standards with metrics including diet, physical activity, smoking, body mass index, sleeping, cholesterol level, blood pressure, and more.
Maintaining heart health, and developing healthy habits, are crucial for every member of the family, regardless of age. By helping kids adopt heart-smart practices early on, you can significantly reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. In the spirit of American Heart Month, we want to offer some tips to help your family prioritize heart and build lifelong habits.
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Everyone in the kitchen!
Getting the whole family involved in meal preparation, even toddlers, can make healthy eating more fun and enjoyable. Not only can kids brush up on fine motor skills and math concepts by participating in meal preparation, but it can expand their palates and help them appreciate food origin. Teenagers and adults who feel ownership in the meal are more likely to appreciate it. Encourage reluctant teenagers to help you research healthier recipes and then pick out the ingredients.
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The family that plays together stays together
There are so many ways to incorporate exercise into family time. It may take some effort to find activities that everyone enjoys, but the benefits of being active together are worth it. Many of our patients’ families enjoy playing friendly sports, biking, swimming, hiking, or walking the dog together. Additionally, limit sedentary activities like screen time, and encourage movement throughout the day.
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Sleep it off
You may not think about sleep in relation to heart health, but inadequate sleep can increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Poor sleep can also lead to making unhealthy food choices. Help your family limit pre-bedtime screen time, and maintain a calm home atmosphere in the hour or so before bedtime.
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Schedule family checkups
Make sure your family receives their recommended medical appointments and checkups from Fountain Hills Medical Center. Your Fountain Hills medical health provider will screen for heart issues and any potential risk factors. You can also use these checkups to discuss any concerns or questions about your heart health. Heart checkups in Fountain Hills should be a key component in your family’s heart health journey.
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Celebrate your family’s progress
Acknowledge and celebrate health achievements as a family. This will reinforce your healthy habits and provide motivation for continued success. It’s so valuable to recognize each other’s efforts, and keep encouraging each other, and remember that consistency is more important than perfection.
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Lead by example
All eyes are on you, and this can be a great motivation. Kids are the first to call us out when we don’t practice what we preach, and this can motivate you to be authentic and consistent with your heart health goals. Involve your family in your health journey and discuss why you’re making the choices you are, what feels difficult, and your progress. Normalizing the struggles and successes of living healthfully will help allow your family to verbalize and have ownership of their own heart health journey.
Prioritizing heart health as a family sets the foundation for lifelong wellness. Incorporating these tips into your daily routine, while fostering a supporting environment, can empower your family members to lead happier, healthier lives together.
