Your Heart Pumps Nearly 1.5 Million Barrels of Blood In A Lifetime

Did you know that the heart pumps nearly 1.5 million barrels of blood in a lifetime? That's enough to fill 200 train cars!

Even though heart disease is more common among the aged, we can ensure that we employ various health enhancing behaviors in our children to foster heart-healthy habits now to keep that heart pumping and support them down the road! Habits we form in childhood can follow us in to adulthood. This Heart Month {February}, let's look at some things children can do now to support heart health immediately and into their future:

1. Sodium Intake - High salt (sodium) intake is a risk factor for hypertension. Though not always a concern in infants and young children, oversalting food can lead to an intolerance of unsalted foods and potentially create a bad habit down the road. A small amount of salt while cooking is definitely ok. It is recommended to try other spices such as black pepper, paprika, etc. Processed foods often a longer shelf life but this is due to the sodium content in the food. Fresh vegetables, fruit, unsalted nuts, etc. can actually help with sodium metabolism because of other mineral content.
2. Sugar Intake - While SOME sugar is just part of growing up, sugar intake can easily top 100 grams daily from added sugars, even from “healthy” foods. Read the labels and becoming sugar aware. Added sugars (those not naturally found in dairy products or fruits) ARE associated with heart disease risk (among other things). Try a teaspoon of honey instead of sugar!
3. Omega 3s - Omega3 fatty acids is a type of unsaturated fatty acid and is highly associated with various health benefits. It's never too early to increase your child's intake of these fatty acids. Getting children used to salmon, mackerel, herring, trout, and seafood like shrimp and scallops can be a great low mercury way to include more Omega3s.
4. Movement -  As you know, a daily movement routine is key in fighting heart disease. Walking, running, active play, or sports! Make movement part of daily life to foster a healthy long-term relationship with moving your body.
5. Fiber - Fiber intake is associated with so many positive health benefits. It tends to have a favorable effect on cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Childhood is a great time to foster good fiber habits. There are multiple kinds of fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains and starches. Processed foods (bars, etc.) can have fiber from synthetic sources. Oats have a specific fiber (beta-glucan) which seems to help move cholesterol along in the body and is an excellent breakfast or snack choice for kids.

Read more from our Wellness Committee Here.

About ARS

American Renaissance School is a K-8 public charter school in Historic Downtown Statesville, NC.

Our mission is to ensure a standard of academic excellence by providing a nurturing environment that allows each child to reach their fullest potential as students and citizens.

Our vision is to be the best choice for education in North Carolina. Our board, administration, staff, and teachers, with parental and community input, have identified our core beliefs and core values, which in turn are reflected in our strategic priority areas. These guide our daily operations at all levels.

Learn more about ARS here.