www.grub4life.com today reports that many chronic diseases of adulthood are becoming more common in children and adolescents. In most instances, with rising rates of obesity, conditions such as high blood pressure and adult-type diabetes are being diagnosed at younger ages.
08-06-2010
Multiple studies have confirmed the negative effects of elevated blood pressure among adults, with particular impact on premature coronary heart disease. This observation is directly related to both the degree and duration of the elevated blood pressure. From this, it is anticipated that children and adolescents with abnormally elevated blood pressure face similar long-term risks and deserve screening and treatment.
In children, the determination of blood pressure elevation is not absolute (such as the 140/90 cutoff value for adults). Determinations of elevated blood pressure are specific to a given age, gender and height, and are defined by levels in the top 5 percent for a category.
Screening is typically performed as a part of an annual well-child examination by a primary-care medical provider. Many school health programs also offer free screening.
Multiple studies have documented a direct relationship between rises in body-mass index (a measure of weight for height) and rises in blood pressure.
While certain diseases of the blood vessels, kidneys, heart or hormonal system can cause elevated blood pressure in children, the most common cause is so-called essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is elevated blood pressure resulting from a mixture of genetic and environmental variables. A major modifiable risk factor for high blood pressure in children is excessive weight.
Reducing the risk of high blood pressure as well as treating high blood pressure includes modifying contributing lifestyle factors. Dietary changes including a reduction in sodium (found in salt), saturated fats and sugary foods will both directly reduce blood pressure (in the case of sodium reduction) and benefit by assisting maintenance of a healthy weight.
Regular physical activity also lowers blood pressure. Children need a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate activity daily.
Read the full story at: http://durangoherald.com/sections/Features/Columnists/La_Plata_Health_Watch/2010/06/07/Childhood_obesity_brings_chronic_diseases/
Source and thanks to www.durangoherald.com.
