Children Can Be Affected By High Cholesterol Too
Usually kids who are identified as having high risk for high cholesterol levels have at least one parent also at risk for high cholesterol. There is not much that can be done about the heredity risk that is not in anyone's control.
Did you know that adults are not the only people who have high cholesterol risk factors? Children can be at risk for high cholesterol levels too and therefore they can be at risk for heart disease. Children have three risk factors for high cholesterol: heredity, diet and being overweight.
Usually kids who are identified as having high risk for high cholesterol levels have at least one parent also at risk for high cholesterol. There is not much that can be done about the heredity risk that is not in anyone's control. As a parent and as an older child, there is much we can do to control the other two risk factors for high cholesterol in children.
What children eat is partially influenced by what the adults eat that live with them. It is usually the adults that buy and prepare the food that kids eat. Kids may be given choices of what foods they eat by some parents and may even sneak foods or make bad food choices when away from parents. Children can therefore perhaps have some control over what they eat. Children can learn in school and at home, what good food choices are those will keep them healthy including what are the good food choices to make in order to keep their cholesterol levels at a healthy level.
Our weight, whether we are an adult or a child is largely influenced by the amount of food we eat, the types of food that we eat and how much physical activity we get each day. Again, our food choices have a lot to do with what we weight. Food influences two of the risk factors for high cholesterol in children. An important reason to make sure that kids understand the impact of the foods they eat on their bodies and how it makes them feel physically and emotionally.
|
You would have to have been living under a rock not to know that high cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Do you know the top dangers that you should watch for that are associated with high cholesterol?
Cholesterol Test
|
School-aged children can not only be taught good food choices, but they can have their cholesterol levels checked by having a simple blood test. It is especially important to have this cholesterol-screening test performed if the child had a family history of high cholesterol. The levels that indicate borderline high levels of cholesterol in children are those levels that are between 170 and 199 mg/dL. The levels are considered high in children if they are higher than 200mg/dL.
If your child or a child you know has cholesterol levels that are high, there are things that can be done to lower them. The best way to treat children with high cholesterol levels is to teach them how to have a healthy diet and how to exercise properly.
Children should eat foods that are low in total fat, saturated fat, and trans fat and also low in cholesterol to lower their cholesterol levels or to maintain good cholesterol levels. The amount of total fat a child (over age two) should consume should be 30% or less of their daily caloric intake.
Newest Info on Cholesterol
08/30/2010
Cholesterol, Blood pressure screenings in Bellevue, Clyde
BELLEVUE -- The Bellevue Hospital will provide cholesterol and blood pressure screenings at eight locations in Bellevue and Clyde in September.
Cholesterol, Blood pressure screenings in Bellevue, Clyde
09/02/2010
Cholesterol: Junk food now can hurt you later
Young adults out there, take note: The occasional Big Mac, slice of pizza or ice cream cookie binge may be fine — but you'd be wise not to make a habit out of it.
Cholesterol: Junk food now can hurt you later
08/30/2010
Cholesterol, Blood pressure screenings in Bellevue, Clyde
BELLEVUE -- The Bellevue Hospital will provide cholesterol and blood pressure screenings at eight locations in Bellevue and Clyde in September.
Cholesterol, Blood pressure screenings in Bellevue, Clyde
09/02/2010
Genzyme says drug lowers cholesterol
Genzyme Corp. has told a society of cardiologists that tests of its potential cholesterol drug, mipomersen, have yielded encouraging results. Cambridge-based Genzyme is collaborating on mipomersen with Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. , of Carlsbad, Calif. Genzyme - Mipomersen - Cholesterol - Hypercholesterolemia - Isis Pharmaceuticals
Genzyme says drug lowers cholesterol
|