heart healthy kids

Heart Healthy KIDSEducational Session : 

Heart Healthy KIDSEducational Session

Heart Disease : 

Heart Disease Heart disease is a serious health problem for all Americans, especially minorities. Although it is the #1 killer of Americans, most people are not aware that they are at risk for heart disease. Many people believe that a heart attack or stroke happens suddenly because of a scary experience, getting bad news, or having strong feelings like anger. A heart attack or stroke may seem sudden, but the truth is that heart disease happens over many years. It often starts at a very young age.

The Amazing Heart : 

The Amazing Heart Your heart is one of your strongest muscles. It pumps blood to all parts of your body through miles of blood vessels all day. Blood carries the nutrients and oxygen your body needs to keep going. The heart is so important; you want to keep it healthy. When the heart stops, life stops.

What Is Heart Disease? : 

What Is Heart Disease? Heart disease develops over many years. It happens when the blood vessels going to the heart become narrow and clogged. Clogged arteries increase the risk of developing heart disease.

What Are Risk Factors for Heart Disease? : 

What Are Risk Factors for Heart Disease? Risk factors are traits and habits that make you more likely to develop heart disease. There are some risk factors that you can do something about; others you cannot change. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of heart disease.

Risk Factors : 

Risk Factors

What Is Blood Pressure? : 

What Is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure is needed to move the blood through your body so that blood can get to all parts of the body’s organs.

Why Is High Blood Pressure Dangerous? : 

Why Is High Blood Pressure Dangerous? High blood pressure - also called hypertension- puts you at risk for heart disease. When your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because it has no symptoms. If not treated, high blood pressure raises your chances of: Stroke Heart attack Kidney problems Eye problems Death

Understanding Blood Pressure Numbers : 

Understanding Blood Pressure Numbers Blood pressure is given as two numbers. The systolic number describes the amount your heart uses as it beats and is located on the top. The diastolic number describes the amount of pressure that exists within your arteries even when your heart relaxes between beats and is on the bottom. For example, 120/80 is expressed verbally as “120 over 80.” This is the highest reading for a normal blood pressure.

Tips to Control High Blood Pressure : 

Tips to Control High Blood Pressure 1. Cut down on sodium (salt). 2. Eat heart healthy foods (fresh fruits, grains, fresh vegetables). 3. Do not drink alcohol. 4. Watch your weight and exercise.

What Is Cholesterol? : 

What Is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body. It is produced by the liver and also found in certain foods. A healthy amount is needed to make some hormones, build cell walls, and create bile salts that help your body digest fat. Actually, your liver produces about 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol a day, enough cholesterol so that if you never touched another cheese fry, you'd be OK. But it's hard to avoid cholesterol entirely because so many foods contain it.

Why Is High Blood Cholesterol Bad for Your Heart? : 

Why Is High Blood Cholesterol Bad for Your Heart? Your body makes all the cholesterol you need to be healthy. When you eat foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, your body can make too much cholesterol. Over time, this extra cholesterol can clog your arteries. The higher your blood cholesterol, the greater your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

What Is Good and Bad Cholesterol? : 

What Is Good and Bad Cholesterol? HDL is “good cholesterol.” It helps clean fat and cholesterol from your blood vessels. Just remember the H in HDL for Healthy, and the Higher it is, the better. LDL is “bad cholesterol.” It carries cholesterol to your blood vessels, clogging them like rust in a pipe. Remember the L in LDL for Lousy, and the Lower it is, the better.

Tips to Control Cholesterol : 

Tips to Control Cholesterol Cut back on foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Bake and broil foods instead of frying. Be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes on most days. Aim for a healthy weight. Lose weight if you are overweight.

Aim for a Healthy Weight : 

Aim for a Healthy Weight Did you know that losing even a small amount of weight can lessen weight-related health problems?

Determining A Healthy Weight : 

Determining A Healthy Weight BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. Your body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement can show you if you need to lose weight. Larger Waist circumferences are also a known risk factor.

Reading a Nutrition Label : 

Reading a Nutrition Label

Tips to Aim for a Healthy Weight : 

Tips to Aim for a Healthy Weight 1. Choose and prepare foods in a heart healthy way. 2. Read the Nutrition Facts labels to choose foods lower in calories and sugar. 3. Limit your portion size. 4. Say “Yes” to physical activity.

Hope for a Healthy Future : 

Hope for a Healthy Future Taking steps to prevent heart disease at any age is important. You can reduce your risk by making lifestyle changes. All you need is a little information, a few skills, and a bit of motivation. Caring for your heart is one of the most important things you can do for your health and the health of your family. Future generations are counting on you.

The END : 

The END