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3 Kids Health Tips for American Heart Month

Posted on Feb 19, 2016

February is American Heart Month, an annual event to raise awareness about heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, making heart health a major public health issue. While most people think of heart disease as an issue for older Americans, it's actually a great topic to bring up with kids. 

It's never too late to start making heart-healthy lifestyle changes, but it's also never too early to establish heart-healthy habits! Read on for some kid-appropriate tips to help your kids enjoy a heart-healthy future. 

  • Say no to smoking. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, so teach your kids to just say "No!" to smoking or using other tobacco products. It's important to talk to your kids about this before they are old enough to start experiencing peer pressure. The average age for new smokers to start is astonishingly young--just 13 years old.
  • Encourage physical activity. Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and making this a part of your family's lifestyle is a great way to help your kids establish habits that will stick with them into adulthood. Exercise is good for your heart, and also helps kids build healthy bones and muscles! At Monkey Joe's, we provide a place where kids can get hours of exercise while having a blast. Bring your kids to our NoVA indoor playground anytime for walk-in play on our fun inflatables, from slides to obstacles to jumps. Getting active has never been more fun!
  • Eat heart healthy foods. Diet also plays a critical role in heart health. Excess sodium can raise blood pressure, so cut down on salt and pre-packaged foods that often contain huge amounts of sodium. Instead, teach your kids how to prepare healthy, fresh foods using herbs and spices instead of excessive salt. Choose whole grains, and make fruits and veggies the star of the show for more balanced meals.