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- $Unique_ID{BRK01621}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Promoting Good Health Early in Life}
- $Subject{family health Community social children young diet foods fat fats
- saturated cholesterol behavior behaviors exercise families child care caring
- lifestyle lifestyles diets exercises}
- $Volume{Q-23,S-23}
- $Log{
- Exercise Lowers Triglycerides and Raises HDL*0003203.scf}
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- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Promoting Good Health Early in Life
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- QUESTION: My husband and I are very concerned about the future health of our
- children. Both our families have histories of both heart disease and cancer.
- Though our two youngsters are still under the age of 9, we would like any
- suggestions about things we can do now to prevent future tragedies. What good
- counsel do you have for us?
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- ANSWER: There certainly are plenty of ways to promote good health early in
- life, and parents are wise to help children learn good health habits when they
- are young. Medical evidence proves that the time to prevent chronic disorders
- is in early childhood, rather than after years of abuse.
- Prevention of heart attack and stroke can easily begin in young children
- with the proper diet. Pay attention to including a variety of foods, with
- plenty of vegetables, fruits and grain products. Choose foods that are low in
- fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. If all of this is a bit confusing, check
- with your doctor for a good food plan.
- The diet restricts fat intake to 30 percent of total calories and
- cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg a day. The American Heart Association
- Diet is well balanced and rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Teenagers should be taught how to perform breast and testicular
- self-examinations.
- You can set a good example by not smoking or drinking excessively as both
- are very bad health habits, and children tend to mimic their parents'
- behavior.
- Teach your children at a young age that exercise is fun and should be a
- regular part of each day's activities. You might try to find a type of
- exercise you can all participate in, like hiking or bicycle riding. Also,
- find a doctor that your children like, so that when they are feeling ill they
- won't resist seeing the doctor promptly. That permits an early diagnosis,
- which is the first step in preventing unnecessary and dangerous complications.
- Leading your children in these fine health habits may help you solve your
- own concerns, and convince you that you have provided them with the healthy
- head start they need and deserve.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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