High cholesterol affects kids too
These days it’s almost impossible to watch TV without seeing at least one ad for cholesterol medication. Many of us probably know someone who has high cholesterol, but have you ever thought it could affect your kids?
High cholesterol can run in families, but now poor diet and lack of exercise are increasing childhood obesity and high cholesterol in kids. One out of 10 obese kids will have an abnormal cholesterol level. (In Wisconsin, 13.5 percent of children are obese.)
So why worry about high cholesterol and your child?
Cholesterol is a waxy fat that’s found in all of our bodies. It’s made naturally by our livers and also found in animal products like meat, eggs and dairy. Believe it or not, our bodies actually need cholesterol for important functions like helping make certain hormones and protecting our nerves.
We run into problems when we have too much cholesterol. It causes plaque to build up on artery walls and that narrows blood vessels and blocks blood flow. This process begins as early as preschool and puts your child at risk for heart disease or a stroke later in life.
Here’s what you can do to help your child:
- Know your child’s and your cholesterol level. It’s a simple blood test. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids should be screened for high cholesterol beginning at age 2 if they meet one of the following criteria:
- A parent or grandparent has had a heart attack or stroke at age 55 or younger.
- One parent has high cholesterol.
- Family history is not known.
- The child has other risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.
If your child does have high cholesterol, then both parents and siblings should be checked. If the level is normal, your child should be rechecked in five years.
- Live a healthy lifestyle. Regardless of your child’s weight, this is the first step to prevent and treat high cholesterol. Make sure to set realistic goals for your family. All of our lives are very hectic, and it’s important to find lifestyle changes that you can achieve. Here are a few suggestions:
- Kids need at least 60 minutes of intense exercise every day, but 30 minutes or even 15 minutes is better than no activity at all. The activity should make them sweat. Your child doesn’t have to be in an organized activity to be active. Take a family walk or go to the park. Take advantage of the snow, and go build a snowman. Whatever activity you choose, make it a family event!
- Don’t feel guilty if you swing through the drive-thru after a busy day. The key to a heart-healthy diet is moderation. Special treats, like fast food, soda or sweets, are okay when they are reserved for special occasions and not served on a regular basis.
- Make sure your child doesn’t skip meals and mainly drinks water throughout the day. After the age of two, he or she should be drinking low-fat milk.
- Increase the amount of fiber your child eats. Make sure fresh fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals are part of your family’s diet.
If you’re concerned about your child’s risk for high cholesterol, talk with his or her doctor.
To make an appointment at the New Berlin clinic call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280.
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