

Young tiny hearts beat with the rhythm of life and are very fragile in nature proving to be harmful if not identified and treated at the earliest stage. As a pediatric cardiologist at NanheDil, The Child Heart Centre, Dr. Manvinder holds enormous experience and has witnessed the importance of maintaining children’s heart health firsthand. He is open to sharing his expert knowledge with the world to help parents develop a healthy heart for their adorable young ones, here are some useful tips for parents to consider during the journey of parenthood:
1. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits:
The parents can play the main role in encouraging heart-healthy eating habits at a young age for their kids. Promotion of a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins should also be practised for the children. For example, replacing sweet treats with fresh fruits like apple slices and peanut butter or carrot sticks with hummus will make a huge difference in the long run. Through feeding nutritious meals and snacks to young ones, parents ensure that they get a lifetime habit of good heart health and overall well-being.
2. Stay Active Together:
The importance of regular physical activity to be in good health in relation to a good heart is evident. Parents can become role models by participating in physical exercises together with their children. Whether it’s going on relaxing walks, adventures while riding bikes, or playing outdoor sports as a family unit, being active with your family not only strengthens cardiovascular integrity but also builds permanent family ties. When parents include regular exercise in family life and make it a fun activity, they pass on healthy habits that their children will maintain throughout their long lives thereby having good heart health and a healthy mind as well.
3. Prioritize Quality Sleep:
Good sleep is vital to heart health and the overall health of individuals. A systematic approach to bedtime is necessary to ensure that children receive adequate sleep every night. By avoiding the use of technological devices for half an hour before bed while substituting such activities with easier, and relaxing activities like reading and gentle stretching, parents may provide a relaxing bedtime atmosphere for their children for a healthy sleep. Sleep hygiene is important when it comes to ensuring that parents help their children recharge their energy and support their heart’s health hand in hand.
4. Be Mindful of Stress:
Stress management is crucial, especially at the moment when a child is very young. Parents can show children good coping habits and examples to help them deal with stress by breathing properly or having a mindfulness mindset to find a solution rather than overthinking on the problem. There are other ways of managing stress, such as building an atmosphere for children, in which they freely vocalize their feelings and share their emotions without hiding any details. Parents should demonstrate effective coping mechanisms and express sympathy in times of conflict, enabling their children to create healthy methods for stress management in the future.
5. Know the Warning Signs:
Parents have to be made aware of the possible signs of heart problems in children. While heart conditions are unfamiliar among children, there are some symptoms such as complained shoulder and chest pain which should never be ignored, but it is very important not to overlook heart conditions even among children that are layered with chest pain, fainting, breathlessness or palpitations. Fortunately, parents who would soon get to know any symptoms that are unfavourable to them should immediately seek medical intervention to preserve their child’s heart health. Effective vigilance and proper proactivity on the children’s health could allow the parents to prevent heart diseases in their children and promote healthy hearts for a long life.
6. Regular Check-ups are Key:
Regular check-ups with a pediatrician are vital for monitoring children’s heart health at regular interventions. Pediatricians can perform routine screenings and evaluations to detect any potential issues early on for early and effective treatment. Parents should schedule regular appointments and communicate any concerns or family history of heart disease to their pediatrician to promote transparency. By staying proactive about their children’s health, parents can ensure that any potential heart issues are addressed promptly and that heart health is optimal.
7. Lead by Example:
As role models, parents have a significant influence on their children’s behaviours and habits. By prioritizing their own heart health through healthy lifestyle choices, parents set a positive example for their children to follow in their teenage and adult lives. Incorporating heart-healthy habits into family routines, such as cooking nutritious meals together or being physically active as a family, reinforces the importance of heart health from an early age and builds a strong family bond that lasts beyond a lifetime in the form of healthy cherished memories.
Conclusion:
Remember, nurturing young hearts goes beyond physical health and also includes emotional well-being and overall happiness for the children and the family. By incorporating these simple tips mentioned above into their family’s daily routine, parents can help develop a heart of heart-healthy habits for their children. Every small step towards a healthy lifestyle makes a child’s future healthier and amplifies heart health for children. It is also important to remember to identify early signs of discomfort in the infant’s body, muscles and bones and get immediate medical help regarding the same.
If you ever have more questions or concerns about your child’s heart health, please don’t hesitate to reach out. At NanheDil, The Child Heart Centre, we’re here to support you every step of the way and make your lives healthier for a long life and healthy experience altogether.
Dr Manvinder wishes you and your family continued health and happiness.