U.S. Kids Don ' t Make the Grade on Heart Health

http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20160811/us-kids-dont-make-the-grade-on-heart-healthU.S. Kids Don ' t Make the Grade on Heart HealthMost don ' t eat right or get enough exercise, and the American Heart Association warns of problems aheadWebMD News from HealthDayBy Robert PreidtHealthDay ReporterTHURSDAY, Aug. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Most American children fall short of idealheart health, a new American Heart Association scientific statement says.An analysis of 2007-08 federal government survey results found that about 91 percent of youngsters did not havehealthy diets. Those between the ages of 2 and 19 get most of their calories from simple carbohydrates such as sugary drinks and desserts." A primary reason for so few children having ideal cardiovascular health is poor nutrition, " statement author Dr. Julia Steinberger said in an association news release. " Children are eating high-calorie, low-nutrition foods and not eating enough healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grains,fish and other foods strongly associated with good heart health and ahealthy body weight. "Lack ofphysical activity is another concern. Among 6- to 11-year-olds, half of boys and about a third of girls got the recommended 60 minutes or more a day ofexercise. Between 16 and 19 years of age, those percentages plummeted to 10 percent of boys and 5 percent of girls.Not surprisingly, kids have packed on the pounds. About 10 percent of 2- to 5-year-olds wereobese, compared to between 19 pe...
Source: Dr Portnay - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: blogs