Physical activity and cardiovascular health in children.
The rapid growth in the prevalence of obesity in children and the tracking of obesity from childhood to adulthood can predispose children to type 2 diabetes and CVD at an early age. Strategies to prevent obesity and its complications are of urgent importance. In view of the enormous cardio-protective role of physical activity, pediatricians should implement more intensely preventive strategies based on physical activity, diet, and behavior. This approach is crucial as an effective form of prevention of development of diabetes and CVD, as well as a therapy for children with risk factors for CVD. However, this is a complex task and requires a unified approach that involves environmental, behavioral, cultural, economic, legislative, and physiological factors, as well as a favorable environment that promotes physical activity along with healthy dietary habits.
Balagopal
Prabhakaran
P
Nemours Children's Clinic and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 807 Children's Way, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA. bbalagop@nemours.org
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control