High blood pressure linked to kids' diets

A recent study by Morehouse School of Medicine reports that the rate of high blood pressure is on the rise among American children. In addition to putting children at risk of chronic health problems later on, high blood pressure can have more immediate effects and require constant monitoring, according to researchers, who added it was their belief that childhood obesity is the main reason for the increase of this disease.

"Our nation's children have entered a perfect storm of consuming diets that are high in fat, sugar and salt, while engaging in an increasingly sedentary lifestyle where television, video games and computers have replaced biking, swimming, slides, swings and monkey bars," said Ernest Hook, DPM, president of the California Podiatric Medical Association.

Children are encouraged to participate in the International Walk to School Day on Wed., Oct. 3 as a way to promote health, safety, physical activity and environmental concerns. Youths are urged to walk the entire way or part way to school on this day, or else take a walk after lunch on the school grounds.

Children can help control their blood pressure with a daily walk of 30 to 60 minutes in comfortable, wellfitting walking shoes (no slipons or flip-flops). Walkers are urged to use a pedometer to log steps. Adding 2,000 more steps a day can prevent weight gain.

Reducing blood pressure can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.

This story is provided by the California Podiatric Medial Association.