“Screen time is associated with being overweight and obese which is associated with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Once those risk factors, such as obesity, are in play in childhood, they tend to continue into adulthood.”
Dr. Stephen Daniels, pediatric cardiologist and spokesman for the American Heart Association (AHA), which just issued a scientific statement on the health impact of “Sedentary Behaviors in Today’s Youth.”
Tracie Barnett, researcher at the INRS-Institut Armand Frappier and Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center in Montreal, who led the AHA writing group, had this to say:
“There are real concerns that screens influence eating behaviors, possibly because children ‘tune out’ and don’t notice when they are full when eating in front of a screen.”
Barnett pointed out another cause for concern:
“There is also evidence that screens are disrupting sleep quality, which can also increase the risk of obesity.”
What are the pro-active steps you’re taking to insure your own child’s heart health?
CNN, 8/7/18
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