Helping your kids develop lifelong healthy habits is one way to give the gift of a healthy heart. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Heart Association Cheer your children on. Find a sport or activity your children enjoy, like swimming or dancing. Then provide opportunities for your kids to participate — and maybe do it with them. Check in with a doctor. Ask your and your children’s provider if any of you should be screened with blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol or body mass index (BMI) tests. These offer clues about heart disease risk. Add active toys to the toy box. Think a jump rope, a soccer ball or in-line skates — with the recommended safety gear. Find time to eat together. Frequent family meals promote healthier eating and healthy weight. Live by example. Kids pay attention to what you eat — as well as how much you exercise and whether you engage in habits like smoking that are unhealthy for the heart. Prioritize play. Fit at least one hour of physical activity into your children’s daily schedule. It could Create family fitness challenges. For instance, see who can do the most situps during a TV commercial. be active playtime or something more organized — anything to get your kids moving. SCAN ME Ready to take an important step toward protecting your heart health? A few minutes answering questions in our heart risk assessment will give you a report describing where you’re doing right by your heart — and where you can do better. You can take your report to your health care provider and ask what else you can do to manage and reduce your cardiovascular disease risks. Learn more at NWRegionalHeart.com/HRA or scan this QR code. Quick Quiz What Is Your Risk? AdventistHealth.org/Portland 9
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