living with congenital heart disease

living with congenital heart disease
Shockingly, it is estimated that 22 million of the world's children under 5 years are overweight or obese and approximately one quarter of American children are overweight. The problem is that these children are more vulnerable to child hypertension, type II diabetes, increased risk of heart disease, the extra burden of weight on joints, not to mention the social impact with peers. The medical community has already been an increase in childhood diabetes and of children diagnosed with type II diabetes, 85% are obese.

Childhood Obesity may be a combination of many factors, but two of the biggest contributors are lack of exercise and poor dietary habits.

Today's youth spend several hours a day before television and computers. These measures, together with the lack of physical activity programs in schools that do not have the energy needed by the body to burn calories. Plus, energy levels continue to decline as additional weight, the suspension of the hope for the recommended 30 minutes exercise every day (in addition to what the child during the school holidays). The benefits of physical activity are very important, but because the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, with reductions in body weight or maintain. Other benefits include, building healthy muscles, bones and joints and improving depression and over all psychological well-being.

Eating habits to obesity as well and have over time changed. Due to the busy lifestyles of two incomes, the demand for quick and easy microwaveable food, fast food and snacks have been drastic. Also many children are to be replaced and soda vending machine snacks for school lunch. Unfortunately, most of these types of foods are salt, sugar, fat and calories and have a low nutrient content.

Bottom line, kids are looking for role models. If the adults around them to exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet, they are no longer capable of these things too. Family Fun, a hike, a bike ride, playing in the playground and shooting tires on the basketball court.

One last note, if your child is overweight, consult your doctor. Rare hormonal disorders and / or other medical conditions can be diagnosed with blood tests and medical examinations.