McMeen Elementary

February is Health Health Month

02/08/23, 11:40 AM

❤️Happy Heart Health Month, McMeen Families!

  Did you know that cardiovascular (meaning the heart and blood vessels like arteries and veins) disease is a leading cause of death in the United States? Though there are some congenital (present at birth) heart conditions that factor into the data regarding this statistic, more often than not, the majority of cardiovascular diseases are preventable. 

  The American Heart Association discuss eight key health factors, know as "Life's Essential 8," that are key in improving Americans' cardiovascular health. These eight factors are: not smoking, physical activity, healthy diet, body weight, sleep health, and control of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. You can read more about for these factors are key in supporting cardiovascular health here: 2023 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update Fact Sheet

  There are many ways to set our children up for less risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Research shows that early and continual childhood implementation and education about healthy eating and physical activity can reduce the risk of deadly diseases later in life.  Click on the links below for more information on how to support our children, and even ourselves, with regular healthy eating and physical activity.

   Heart Disease: Reduce Your Child's Risk

   Overcoming Obstacles to Physical Activity

 

  Let's also not forget the effects of smoking on our cardiovascular health. Children that do not smoke but are exposed to smoke are still at a greater risk for developing serious diseases. Many of us know about 2nd hand smoke, when someone is exposed to the direct smoke of another person such as a child in a car in which someone is smoking. But did you know that there's also 3rd hand smoke? 3rd hand smoke is the the residue of chemicals that are left and remain on clothing, furniture hair, car-seats, etc., even after someone smokes. Evidence shows that children that are exposed to 3rd hand smoke are still at a greater risk for developing serious diseases related to tobacco exposure. Recommendations to decrease your children's exposure to 3rd hand smoke include: Stop smoking. Smoking cessation is the healthiest option for you and your child. If you do smoke, do so outdoors with specifically designated "smoking clothes" that are removed in a garage or another place where your child will not be exposed to the clothing. Consider wearing a hat that you can remove as well, to cover your hair. Also consider showering and brushing your teeth after smoking and before interacting with your children. You can read more about third hand smoke reduction here: How Parents Can Prevent Exposure to Thirdhand Smoke

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about cardiovascular health.

Thank you,

Nurse Miriam