Healthy Hearts for Kids

A healthy heart needs to be nourished. Keeping your kid's heart healthy requires attention to several factors that will help to ensure that a child's heart muscle grows and develops correctly and efficiently, just like any other muscle in their growing bodies. The heart is a muscle, and while it may be no bigger than a fist, must work at optimal performance for decades. Do your part to ensure that your child's heart functions at its best.

Exercise

• Kids need exercise to develop strong muscles. The heart is a muscle and needs exercise, too. Stamina, endurance and strength through exercise will encourage healthy heart growth. Make sure your child gets enough exercise. Encourage him to go outside and play for at least an hour every day. It doesn't matter if he's climbing trees, skateboarding or playing touch football, exercise is one of the best ways to make sure your child's heart will grow healthy and strong.

Nutritious Diet

• We all know how tempting fast food can be, but lay off the fat-laden burger-fest as much as possible. Sure, fries and hamburgers can be a monthly treat, but don't overdo it. These days, more children are being diagnosed as overweight or obese than any other generation. A healthy, nutritious diet rich in vegetables, fruits and fibers is the most efficient way to keep the body and heart nourished. Don't clog young arteries with high fat, high sugar diets. Visit the FDA website to view daily nutrition requirements for children and make sure they're getting adequate servings of their necessary food groups every day.

Educate

• Teach children the importance of diet and exercise early in life. Developing lifelong habits starts in childhood. Encourage healthy snacks and eating habits. Don't forget to follow your own guidelines. Be a good role model. Take them to science exhibits or engage them in interactive online activities on websites like the American Heart Association to teach them about their heart.