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2.01.2025
February is American Heart Month: Heart Health for Young Children
Every February, the American Heart Association (AHA) observes American Heart Month, a time to focus on the importance of heart health for people of all ages. While this campaign often centers on adults, it's just as important to teach children about heart health from a young age. After all, heart health isn’t just for grown-ups—it's something every family can start thinking about early. By taking small steps together as a family, you can help your little ones build habits that will last a lifetime.
Why Heart Health is Important for Young Children
When we think about heart health, it’s easy to assume that it’s something only adults need to worry about. However, heart health starts early. In fact, the foundation for a healthy heart is built in childhood, making it crucial to lay the groundwork for healthy habits at a young age.
Healthy habits in childhood can help reduce the risk of heart disease later in life. Studies show that things like poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and obesity can lead to the development of heart disease. But the good news is that many of these risk factors are preventable—and the earlier we start, the better!
5 Steps to a Healthy Heart!
During American Heart Month, you can help your child start building heart-healthy habits. Here are some simple and fun ideas to get your family moving in the right direction:
- Encourage Physical Activity
Getting kids active is one of the most effective ways to keep their hearts healthy. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens the heart, and boosts overall well-being.
The American Heart Association recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. But don’t worry—this doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym! Fun activities like playing tag, riding bikes, or even dancing to music can be great ways for kids to get moving.
- Make Healthy Food Choices
What your child eats plays a big role in their heart health. Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is important for maintaining a healthy heart.
Try involving your kids in meal planning and preparation. When children help pick out healthy ingredients, they are more likely to be excited about eating them! You can also create fun, heart-healthy snacks like fruit kabobs, veggie wraps, or homemade trail mix.
- Get Enough Sleep
Believe it or not, sleep is an important part of heart health! Children need plenty of rest to keep their hearts healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children ages 3 to 5 get 10 to 13 hours of sleep per night, and children ages 6 to 12 should get 9 to 12 hours.
Good sleep helps with physical and emotional development and supports overall health. Make sure your child has a calming bedtime routine to help them unwind and get the rest they need.
- Model Healthy Habits
Kids learn by watching the adults in their lives. If you make heart-healthy choices, your children are more likely to follow your example. Show them how fun it is to be active by going on family walks, cooking healthy meals together, and choosing healthy snacks.
When you prioritize your heart health, you’re setting a positive example that will benefit everyone in your household.
- Teach Your Child About Their Heart
While very young children may not fully understand the complexities of heart health, you can still teach them the basics. Explain that their heart is the “pump” that keeps their body going and that it needs healthy foods, exercise, and plenty of rest to work its best.
This is a great opportunity to start fostering a sense of responsibility for their health that can carry over into their later years.
Fun Ways to Get Involved with American Heart Month
There are many exciting ways families can participate in American Heart Month, and some of them even include charitable events and community activities. Here are a few ideas:
- Join a Family Fun Run/Walk: Many communities host heart-themed events in February, such as fun runs or walks that raise awareness and funds for heart disease research. These events are a great way to get outside and show support for heart health.
- Host a Healthy Snack Party: Gather friends and family for a heart-healthy snack party! Make nutritious treats together, and teach kids about how food helps fuel the heart.
- Learn with Arts and Crafts: Use the heart symbol as a fun and educational craft project. Make paper hearts while talking about ways to keep hearts healthy. This could be a great way to introduce younger kids to the idea of heart health.
Heart health is essential for everyone in the family, and teaching kids about heart health at a young age sets them up for a lifetime of wellness. This February, take the opportunity of American Heart Month to start building heart-healthy habits together.
Whether it's moving your bodies, making healthy meals, or simply enjoying quality time as a family, every small step you take will help ensure that your children have strong, healthy hearts for years to come. So, let’s get moving, eat well, and celebrate the hearts that keep our families strong and happy!
For more information, resources, and tips, visit the American Heart Association’s Kids Health Initiatives website.
