How Parents Can Stay Heart-Healthy and Teach Their Kids to Do the Same
Staying heart-healthy is a must for Filipino families and here’s why!
Experts have sounded the alarm: 1 out of 2 Filipino adults now have borderline to high levels of bad cholesterol, and heart disease has consistently been the leading cause of death in the Philippines from 2015 to 2023¹. Stress, lack of sleep, and unhealthy lifestyle choices are contributing to this widespread health crisis, which can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attacks.
High cholesterol occurs when excess fats, or lipids, accumulate in the blood, often due to genetics or poor dietary habits. These fats build up in the arteries, forming deposits that restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But the good news is that heart health can be managed and improved with the right lifestyle changes.
Taking Charge of Heart Health for Parents and Kids
As parents, the importance of heart health is paramount—not only for your own well-being but also for setting a strong example for your children. Heart disease may seem like an adult problem, but teaching kids to adopt heart-healthy habits early on can have lifelong benefits.
Here are some practical ways you can take charge of your heart health while teaching your children to do the same:
1. Balanced Nutrition
A balanced diet is key to managing cholesterol and maintaining overall health. You can start by incorporating heart-healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your family meals. Limiting processed foods and saturated fats is also crucial in reducing bad cholesterol levels.
One simple yet effective addition to your diet is drinking Del Monte 100% Pineapple Juice Heart Smart. This refreshing drink, made from freshly squeezed pineapples, is fortified with Reducol™, a blend of phytosterols that blocks cholesterol absorption². Studies show that drinking two glasses daily, along with a proper diet and exercise, can lower cholesterol in just four weeks.
2. Active Lifestyles
Encourage your kids to engage in regular physical activities such as playing sports, biking, or even daily walks. As a parent, staying active with your children not only strengthens your bond but also keeps you both physically fit and heart-healthy.
3. Stress Management
Stress is a major contributor to heart disease, and children, like adults, are not immune to its effects. Teach your children healthy ways to cope with stress, whether through mindfulness exercises, hobbies, or family time.
4. Get Regular Check-Ups
Leading by example is crucial. Show your kids the importance of health monitoring by scheduling regular medical check-ups for both yourself and them. Knowing your cholesterol levels and other vital statistics will help you keep track of your progress and make informed health decisions.
A Legacy of Health for Your Kids
By making these heart-smart choices now, you can take control of your own heart health and create a legacy of wellness for your children. Modeling these habits teaches them the value of a healthy lifestyle and prepares them to make similar choices as they grow older.
Start today by modifying your lifestyle, seeking professional advice when needed, and making smart dietary choices—like integrating heart-healthy drinks such as Del Monte 100% Pineapple Juice Heart Smart into your daily routine. This proactive approach is essential not just for you, but for your family’s long-term health and well-being. For more information, visit kitchenomics.com.
Del Monte 100% Pineapple Juice Heart Smart is available in a 220mL Can and 1 Liter Tetra in all leading supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide. It is also available at Del Monte’s e-commerce shops in Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok Shop.
References
¹Food and Nutrition Research Institute 2013 National Nutrition Survey (NNS)
²ReducolTM Phytosterol and Phytostanol Blend. (n.d.). In www.ashland.com. https://www.ashland.com/file_source/Ashland/Documents/Reducol%20Sell%20Sheet.pdf
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