Everyone knows you’re never too young to learn some heart health basics. According to the American Heart Association (tweaked for in-store application), here are the top 10 ways to help kids achieve a healthy heart:
1. Encourage parents to be a positive role model. If they’re practicing healthy habits, it’s a lot easier to convince children to do the same.
2. Promote exercise. Kids and families can spend time together taking walks, riding bikes, going swimming, gardening or just playing hide-and-seek outside.
3. Suggest that parents limit TV, video game and computer time for their kids. These habits lead to a sedentary lifestyle and excessive snacking, which increase risks for obesity and cardiovascular disease.
4. Encourage physical activities as hobbies. Every child is unique; let children experiment with different activities until each finds something that he or she really loves doing. They’ll stick with it longer if they love it.
5. Be supportive. Focus on the positive instead of the negative. Everyone likes to be praised for a job well done. Celebrate successes and help children and teens develop a good self-image.
6. Plan attainable goals and limits, such as one hour of physical activity per day or two desserts per week other than fruit. Set up a contest at your store for kids, and have them log hours of exercise and activity to encourage their competitive spirit.
7. Remind parents not to reward children with food. Candy and snacks as a reward encourage bad habits. Find other ways to celebrate good behavior.
8. Promote products that make dinnertime a family time. Plan events where kids can take healthy cooking classes and learn the importance of heart healthy diets.
9. Encourage kids to read food labels. It’s a habit that helps change behavior for a lifetime.
10. Stay involved. Be an advocate for healthier children. Make good food choices available for them at your store. Contact public officials on matters of the heart. Make your voice heard.