Raising Heart-Healthy Kids

Dr. Jennifer Ashton Offers Advice

(CBS)  More than 12.5 million children are overweight or obese in the United States, putting them at risk for heart disease, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

So, how can you keep your child’s heart healthy?

On The Early Show Friday, CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton shared a discovery from one New Jersey school: Many kids already know about exercise and healthy eating for better heart health. But, Ashton says, parents need to play a role in making that knowledge a part of everyday life.

In part three of the three-part Early Show "Heart Watch" series, Ashton offered her tips on keeping your child's heart fit.

"We need to be good role models and set a good example for our kids," Ashton said -- doing thing such as making good choices in your daily routine, like not smoking, eating well and leading an active, heart-healthy life yourself.

Another essential, Ashton said, is to provide a healthy diet for your children. Parents can start by limiting soda, candy and fast food.

And packing healthy school lunches, as well as eating family meals together, she said, are important.

Ashton added shopping together is a great way to teach good nutrition. She said parents and children can learn about proper nutrition by looking at products’ labels together.

"Everyone’s life is so hectic," Ashton told CBS News, "and it takes a little more effort, but it pays off with better health in the long run."

Living an active lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for exercise is also important for kids, Ashton said.

The American Heart Association says screen time, including television, movies, and computers for entertainment purposes, should be limited to less than two hours a day. The AHA recommends doing physical activities for an hour a day.

And finally, parents, she said, should try limiting driving when it’s possible to walk or bike. And parents, she said, should try to make family outdoor activities fun for their kids.