The importance of childhood health leading into adulthood

Good health in childhood lays the foundation for a healthy adulthood. Establishing healthy habits early can help prevent a variety of health issues, including heart disease, and support overall well-being throughout life. 

Dr. Stephanie Stockburger, a pediatrician at UK HealthCare’s Adolescent Medicine Clinic, shares how children and adolescents can take ownership of their health as they transition into adulthood and the key role caregivers play in supporting this process.

Supporting the transition from childhood to adulthood

It is so important that adolescents are taking responsibility for their healthcare. In our clinic, we encourage adolescents to continue taking ownership of their health. We speak directly to adolescents, letting them know that their voice is important! This approach not only fosters confidence but helps teens feel empowered as they grow.

Encouraging adolescents to take steps like discussing their health concerns with providers, learning about their medications and managing healthcare appointments helps build independence. I also advise caregivers to involve adolescents in these processes. Allow older children and adolescents to engage in requesting refills of their medication and assist in check-in and check-out processes during healthcare visits.

In addition, parents should work with their adolescents to so that they are prepared to manage their online healthcare accounts, like MyChart at UK HealthCare. This ensures that they learn how to navigate the healthcare system independently as they age.

How adolescents can take control of their health

Establishing healthy habits from a young age, and maintaining them throughout adolescence, is crucial. Four of the most important steps are:

• Sleep: Get at least 8-9 hours of sleep every night.
• Balanced diet: Eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, dairy and whole grains.
• Exercise: Engage in at least an hour of physical activity daily.
• Oral hygiene: Brush teeth twice a day to maintain dental health.

Regular physical activity and proper nutrition are essential in promoting good health in adolescence, setting the stage for heart health and overall well-being as adults.

Common mistakes adolescents make that impact future health

Adolescents often struggle to see how their current choices can affect their future health. Teens may not realize that choices like substance use or poor nutrition can have lasting negative effects. For example, using marijuana can impair brain development, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning, decision-making, and considering consequences.

Diet and exercise are also crucial factors that adolescents often overlook. Eating unhealthy foods or leading a sedentary lifestyle can set the stage for future health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

The role of caregivers in promoting healthy habits

Caregivers play a vital role in shaping children's health habits, and are major role models for their children! By modeling healthy behaviors like eating a balanced diet, staying active and managing stress, caregivers can inspire their children to adopt the same good habits.

Other practical steps for caregivers include:

• Limiting sugary drinks and fast food.
• Establishing screen time limits (no more than two hours per day outside of schoolwork).
• Promoting regular physical activity as a family.
• Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke, which negatively affects cardiovascular health.

How adolescents can enhance heart health for the future

Maintaining heart health in adolescence is key to preventing heart disease later in life. Physical activity, a nutritious diet and avoiding harmful substances are essential steps adolescents can take. Children can enhance heart health by being physically active, avoiding substances like vapes and nicotine, eating a varied diet and brushing their teeth twice a day.

Interestingly, heart health is linked to dental hygiene. Brushing teeth is a simple yet impactful habit that promotes both oral and heart health.

How lifestyle factors impact heart health

Lifestyle choices during adolescence can have lasting effects on heart health. Physical activity plays a critical role, and adolescents who develop regular exercise habits are more likely to have healthy hearts as adults.  I acknowledge challenges like limited access to healthy food and safe areas for physical activity can make it harder for some teens to maintain heart health.

Schools, too, can play a crucial role in promoting healthy habits. Physical education and health curriculums provide the knowledge adolescents need to understand how their choices affect their future heart health. Education about nutrition, exercise, and the effects of smoking and substance use can shape lifelong habits.

The importance of regular check-ups

Regular check-ups are important for maintaining heart health, both in childhood and adulthood. These visits provide an opportunity to track growth and development, discuss healthy habits and prevent future health problems. Preventing heart problems is much easier than treating them after they develop. Regular check-ups help ensure that.

Resources to support heart health in adolescence

Several resources are available to help families maintain good heart health for their children:

• American Heart Association
• Nationwide Children's Hospital: Heart Healthy Eating for Children
• Stanford Children's Health

UK HealthCare’s pediatric clinics — the Adolescent Clinic, Maxwell and Kentucky Clinic South — provide primary care. The Adolescent Clinic also has a registered dietitian on staff to help adolescents with their dietary needs. The UK Congenital Heart Clinic is an excellent resource for patients with heart conditions, emphasizing the importance of prevention and overall health.

Building a foundation of healthy habits in childhood leads to healthier adults. Encouraging independence in healthcare management, promoting a balanced lifestyle and having regular check-ups are essential strategies that can help adolescents transition smoothly into adulthood with a focus on heart health and overall well-being. Caregivers, healthcare providers and educators all play a critical role in supporting these efforts.