Even though our patients are young, it is never too early to focus on heart health. Developing good nutrition/physical activity habits early on will benefit a person throughout their life.


Ways to keep active during cold-weather months

We know it can be hard to stay active, especially if you’re cooped up inside because of inclement weather. Here are some suggestions for helping your child (and you!) get moving:
• Look to your local community center or recreation center for programming. Most offer activities such as swimming, gymnastics, karate, etc., which can be fun and beneficial for your child – and you!
• If you have a pet take them out for two 10-minute walks a day, minimum.
• Find a fun workout or fitness video online to follow along with.
• Register your child for team sports through school and/or community center, etc. We have daily availability for established patients to schedule sports physicals.


It’s important to focus on both nutrition and physical activity, and knowing your family health history is important as well. If your family has a history of high cholesterol and/or hypertension, there are ways to combat that, and we can help! We start screening kids for cholesterol at age 5.


Nutrition

For our pediatric patients we recommend using the 5-2-1-0 approach (5 fruits and vegetables/day, 2 hours or less of screen time/day, 1 hour of physical activity/day, 0 sugary drinks/day).

Some tips to get your kids enthusiastic about healthy eating include:
• Have your kids cook healthy meals with you.
• Let them create some recipes. Incorporate lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. When they are involved in the food preparation, they are more likely to eat what is prepared. This gives them the power and control to incorporate healthy habits on their own in their life.


Well-Being Pediatrics is located at 46325 W. 12 Mile Road, Suite 240 in Novi. For more information on its COVID protocols, in-person, telehealth and curbside services, call (248) 596-1000 or visit www. wbpediatrics.com. Also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.