Combating Your Child's Cholesterol

High cholesterol level, those dreaded words that haunt every health-conscious adult, pose a potential danger to our children as well. Dr. Reiman, a pediatrician for the past 39 years and renowned for his work with children and cholesterol, delivers an eye-opening message. Together with veteran health writer John Hanc, he demonstrates that harmful cholesterol build-up begins at a very early age. These respected authors emphasize how informed parents can reduce their children's cholesterol levels and thus significantly reduce their risk of heart disease before it's too late.
Ignoring the link between children and cholesterol may lead to grave consequences. As Dr. Reiman's extensive experience with young patients has demonstrated, even by the age of 2 1/2 years, toddlers can have cholesterol levels that threaten their future health. By the time our youngsters reach their late teens, a surprisingly large number already have the hearts of middle-aged men. But you as a parent, armed with the guidance of the time-proven and easy-to-follow diet program offered in Combating Your Child's Cholesterol, can make a difference in your child's future.
This practical and safe program is not based on banning your toddler's or teenager's favorite foods. Rather, it is a balanced approach that advocates a nutritious diet yet incorporates its own system of checks and balances. Dr. Reiman understands children and explains that occasional lapses of chocolate ice cream will not destroy the benefits of the diet. The key lies in starting early and ingraining your child with healthy but realistic eating habits that will last a lifetime - from smarter supermarket shopping to making the wisest choices at the local fast-food restaurant. This plan produces dramatic results. FACT: Prevention in the form of a lower-fat diet alone can reduce your child's cholesterol level by 15%, which translates into a 30% reduction or more in his or her lifetime risk of heart attack.
An elevated cholesterol level does not necessarily mean that your child is in imminent danger of a heart attack. It does indicate, however, a higher risk for future problems should his or her lifestyle and eating habits remain unchanged. "The heart disease time bomb is ticking right now in millions of children," warns Dr. Reiman. The message is clear. Make the change now so that we may raise a new generation of healthy hearts.