High cholesterol is not just a problem plaguing American adults, it affects children, too. Risks for high cholesterol in children include a parent with elevated cholesterol, obesity and poor eating habits. If left untreated, your child could experience health consequences as he gets older. Still, debate abounds concerning the proper treatment of high cholesterol in children, but the tried-and-true is a good place to start: a healthy diet. Always consult your child's pediatrician before making diet and exercise changes.
Cholesterol Screening
Determining your child's cholesterol levels is the first step in deciding what treatment route to take. Although a healthy diet is the foundation for lowering elevated levels, your child's doctor might decide that cholesterol medications also are needed. Your child must be of a certain age for these medications. The American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP, recommends all children and adolescents with a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol have a cholesterol test. If the family history is not known, children with other risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure, should have be screened as well. The AAP suggests screening begin at age 2 but no later than age 10.
Cholesterol Levels
When testing for high cholesterol in children, doctors examine two types -- total and LDL, or bad cholesterol. A total cholesterol of 170 mg/dL is acceptable, while 200 mg/dL is high. An LDL level less than 110 mg/dL is desirable, but 130 mg/dL or more is too high. These guidelines are in place for children ages 2 to 18; if levels are acceptable, screenings are necessary every three to five years. If high, doctors usually require retesting in three six months as a form of intervention, explains KidsHealth.org.
Dietary Changes
If your child's cholesterol is high, and he is younger than 8, the AAP recommends nutrition counseling, weight reduction and increased physical activity. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that a child's total fat intake should comprise no more than 30 percent of her daily calories. This does not apply to children under age 2. Choose foods low in saturated fats, such as fish and skinless, white-meat poultry. Opt for olive oil when cooking and use low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Reduce or eliminate her intake of cookies, cakes, pastries and potato chips. These are high in trans fats, which can make cholesterol skyrocket. Instead, put fresh fruits and vegetables in clear view, allowing your child to reach for them when she wants a snack. Limit her intake of food or beverages that are high in sugar, such as soda or fruit juices. Get her into the habit of drinking as much water as possible. It fills her up, staving off hunger, and cleanses her body of toxins simultaneously.
Make It Fun
Include the entire family in these changes rather than making your child feel isolated. He will be more prone to making healthier food choices if everyone in the house is doing the same. Exercise also is an integral part of a cholesterol-lowering plan. Kids require a minimum of 30 minutes a day and as much as 60 minutes. Make bike riding an after dinner ritual. As a family, go to your local gym or community center on a Saturday afternoon and swim laps for 30 minutes. Play basketball while you are there or a game of football when you get home. The exercise will not only benefit your child but your whole family.
