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Kids now can be prescribed cholesterol medications

Categories: Health & safety, Eating & nutrition, Medical conditions, In the news, Mealtime

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recognized that super-sized kids are battling the same health issues as overweight adults and are recommending children as young as eight be given cholesterol drugs in an attempt to prevent future heart problems.

Dr. Stephen Daniels, of the academy's nutrition committee, says the new advice is based on mounting evidence showing that damage leading to heart disease begins early in life, as well as research showing cholesterol-fighting drugs are safe for children.

"If we are more aggressive about this in childhood, I think we can have an impact on what happens later in life ... and avoid some of these heart attacks and strokes in adulthood," Daniels said.

The AAP has also reversed its original stance against giving children under the age of 2 reduced fat milk. Higher fat milk was recommended because saturated fats are essential for brain development. "But now we have the obesity epidemic and people are thinking maybe this isn't such a good idea," said Dr. Frank Greer of the University of Wisconsin, co-author of the guidelines report, which appears in the July edition of Pediatrics, the group's medical journal.

Young children are now getting the fat they need from sources other than milk and the updated recommendation is based on recent research showing no harm came from younger children drinking the reduced-fat milk.

Other things parents can do to fight obesity in their children:

  • Do a physical activity as a family EVERY day, we're not talking a daily marathon, just a nightly walk , bike ride or even game of Frisbee.
  • Turn off the electronics and send kids outside for some fresh air during the day.
  • Limit high fat food consumption. If you find yourself in a drive-thru more than once a week on a regular basis, it's time to rethink your meal planning. If cooking time is limited at night, pull out the old crock-pot and prepare something the day before.
  • Explore the world of fruits and vegetables. Try an old favorite and something new and exotic every night for a week.
  • Limit consumption of juice, energy drinks and pop. Water is cheaper, more refreshing and is actually good for you!

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