Our Kids May Die Before Us: How to Combat the Heart-Health Stats

By Dr. Lou Ignarro • March 20, 2014 • Cardio Corner with Dr. Ignarro

Children today are in grave danger. But it’s not accidents or injuries we need to worry about—it’s their diets and lack of movement. Because of sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition, today’s youth may be the first generation ever to die before their parents, according to a study conducted by the British Heart Foundation.
And these findings aren’t just limited to the U.K. In America, the statistics are just as grim:

• In the past 30 years, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents.
• Nearly 18 percent of children and adolescents were considered obese in 2010 (the most recent data available).
• Over one-third of children and adolescents were classified as overweight and obese in 2010.
• About 70 percent of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, according to a population sample of 5- to 17-year-olds.
• Obese youth are more likely to develop diabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and psychological issues like poor self-esteem.
• Obese children can show endothelial dysfunction—a precursor to heart disease—as early as the first decade of life.

What’s Happening?
In generations past, parents prepared healthy, whole-food meals, kids played outside with neighbors until sundown, and families went for walks after supper. Today, with the added demands on our schedules, unhealthy food choices are often dictated by time, convenience and cost; once the day’s activities are done, families tend to sit down in front of a screen. Many parents and children are disconnected, overweight, and setting the foundation for disease and dysfunction later in life.
Yes, obesity is challenging in and of itself. But its detrimental effects extend beyond body image, lack of energy and other difficulties. Obesity leads to metabolic syndrome, which leads to Type 2 diabetes and, eventually, heart disease. This process can start as early as infancy.

Traditionally, Type 2 diabetes has been known as “adult onset” because it occurs later in life as a result of lifestyle choices. Now, however, the medical community is rethinking the term. More and more children are being diagnosed with this condition—simply because they’re not moving enough or getting the nutrients their bodies need.

How to Help Your Child
The great news about endothelial health—the basis of heart health—is that dysfunction and disease can be reversed. To do that, we need to get back to the old ways. Whole foods, lots of movement, low stress levels, and plenty of sleep and rest are what your child needs to set the foundation for a life of health and happiness.
Whether your child is 1 month or 17 years old, you still have the parental power to influence her life for the better. And parenting doesn’t stop when children move out, so it’s important to be a positive force in your child’s life by encouraging healthy living—and living healthy, yourself. For more on raising healthier kids, I recommend the site Let’s Move!, which offers great advice for families looking to get healthy together and especially for parents looking for strategies to improve their child’s health.
What steps do you take to keep your kids healthy? Please share with me in the comments