A board-certified invasive cardiologist residing in Gardenia, California, John M. Kennedy, MD, has conducted extensive research in the fields of cardiovascular disease and emotional stress. Serving as the medical director of Kindred Health Systems, John M. Kennedy, MD, also authored the Heart Health Bible, a book focused on improving cardiovascular health in both adults and children.
Since heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults age 50 and over, many physicians and researchers are looking for ways to reduce long-term risk factors for heart disease that begin in childhood. Data shows that an increasing number of children have heart disease risk factors, such as obesity, lack of physical activity, diabetes or pre-diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels. For instance, nearly 50 percent of kids aren’t physically active and about one-third of US children are overweight or obese.
Because habits acquired early in life tend to carry over into adulthood, Dr. Kennedy advises parents, health providers, and educators to teach heart-healthy lifestyle habits to children. The Heart Health Bible’s five-step plan shows parents and children how to maintain optimal cardiovascular health by taking specific steps to heal blood pressure, energize for a healthy heart, act on fat, reduce blood sugar, and tackle triglycerides.
