It can be tough for parents to care for a child with a cardiac disease. In addition to medical care, parents can protect their children. Dr. P. Sharath Babu, pediatrician at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Chennai, highlighted a few strategies to manage and minimize a child’s heart difficulties on World Heart Day 2023, September 29.
Preventive measures for heart-problem children
A healthy lifestyle is crucial for children with heart difficulties. Provide a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to your kids. Cutting back on processed, sugary foods and drinks. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health and well-being for their condition.
Proper hydration is critical for everyone, but cardiac children need it most. Parents should make sure their youngster drinks enough water daily to avoid heart strain.
Infection Prevention: Infections can worsen heart abnormalities in children. Handwashing, vaccines, and avoiding contagious people can help parents prevent infections.
Education and Awareness: Parents must learn about their child’s heart condition. Know the diagnosis, complications, and warning signals. Parents can make informed decisions and engage with doctors when informed.
Emotional Support: Parents and children might struggle emotionally with cardiac difficulties. Supporting the youngster emotionally is also crucial. Allow your youngster to communicate their feelings and concerns.
Emergency Preparedness: Parents need an emergency plan. This involves knowing when to seek medical attention, performing CPR, and having a list of emergency contacts.
Emotional Resilience: Helping youngsters embrace life and create coping mechanisms for their condition. Resilience will help the child handle cardiac concerns with courage.
Conclusion:-
Pediatrician Dr. P. Sharath Babu of Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Chennai, shared heart-healthy tips for children on World Heart Day 2023. Stay hydrated, promote a healthy lifestyle, prevent infections, and learn about your cardiac condition. Your youngster should eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, avoid sugary, processed foods, and exercise often. Proper handwashing, vaccines, and avoiding contagious diseases can also prevent infections. Encourage open conversation and let the youngster share their feelings and concerns with emotional support from parents. They should know when to seek medical help, conduct CPR, and have an emergency contact list. Finally, parents should help their children look forward to life and cope with their illness.
