Minister tells parents to keep kids' hearts healthy

(CNS): The country’s health minister has said that cutting adult rates of heart disease will be “nearly impossible” unless there is a focus on child health. In his World Heart Day message, Mark Scotland stated that the risk of for heart disease can increase during childhood due to unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and exposure to smoking. “Since children have limited decision making control, we must take responsibility for the hearts of our children,” he said. “From parents and caregivers, to doctors and teachers, everyone involved in a child’s life must work together to promote heart healthy behaviors.”

The Cayman Islands joins countries all over the world in observance of World Heart Day on Saturday 29 September when cardiovascular disease prevention in women and children will be the main theme. It is an initiative of the World Heart Federation which was started in 2000. Its key message is that at least 80% of deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if people gave up smoking, had a healthier diet and did more exercise.

See the minister’s full message below