|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Monday, February 01, 2010 |
 |
|
The Hearts of Children
Once again last week I found myself glued to the TV watching the aftermath of a catastrophic event. Every reporter from Haiti said it was the worst disaster they had ever seen. The destruction was beyond comprehension.
For me the greatest heartbreak was for the most vulnerable, the children. Those faces whose huge shocked eyes were either injured or joining the ranks of thousands of orphans. How do they ever heal this horrific blow to their lives?
Because of war, or natural disasters or just the myriad economic, psychological and sociological stress of contemporary life, childhood for legions of children is not a happy healthy, nurturing time. Research from the Harvard School of Public Health indicates that the more adversity in early life - abuse, neglect, poverty, and other stressors can later lead to physical diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity, stroke.
In the US, the fact that childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions and that more then 1/3 of children between 12 and 19 are in danger of having high cholesterol is outrageous.
We have been saying for a long time Heart Disease is not and "Old Man's Disease." I never thought I would think of it beginning in childhood. If not for ourselves for our children we need to wake up. My mantra these days is "heart disease is 80% preventable."
So this month when I see my granddaughters for Valentines Day and they want to go to McDonald's I'll suggest the Salad Bar
Leave A Comment
Blog Questions
| close |
|
To reply to another user’s comment directly, click on the Reply link in that comment box.
Click on the Thread link to expand a discussion stemming from that comment.
|
0 comments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
