Your Child's Heart Health

Protect Your Child's Heart Health

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently created new guidelines to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease starting from childhood, which includes the following age-by-age recommendations.

• Age 2 and up Your doctor should measure your child's height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) at every checkup. Have him go over the results with you and, if necessary, explain what diet and activity changes could benefit your child.
• Age 3 and up Your child's blood pressure should be measured annually. As with BMI, ask your pediatrician to discuss the results with you.
• Age 9-11 A first cholesterol screening is recommended during these years. However, if your child has a parent whose total cholesterol is over 240 or close relative who has had a heart attack or stroke before the age of 55, she may need her cholesterol checked at an earlier age.

Posted by: Georgie



Credit:Parents Magazine