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Posted by Cathy silverman on May 10, 1999 at 03:19:41 Dear doctor,
My child Georgia is twelve. She turned twelve on the seventh
of April.
She has a blood pressure reading of 112 over 85 and her weight
varies from 40 to 45 kg
She is 140 cm tall and is petite.
I think my daughter has problems. What should I do to controll
this as her diet is very bad and she has something every day after
school and on Staurday and sundaysgoes out with friends how can I
help my child be healthy, lose weight,be fit and reduce blood pressure
levels???????
A very concerned mother.
Posted by HVM M.D. - EV on May 10, 1999 at 23:15:17Dear Ms. Silverman,
Thank you for your inquiry. With regard to your daughter - it appears that she tends to be a little bit on the heavy side. But bear in mind that all of us have different bone structures - and it is hard to assess her body proportions based only on numbers.
But regardless - I always tell my patients that diet habits begin with the grocery cart. I always advise parents to set the right example by stocking healthy foods at home - and by serving and eating them only. Also - it's not only a matter of intake - but also output. Try to establish a routine of regular exercise, like 3 times a week - and include your daughter. Even keep some sort of a star chart to mark your progress and commitment. With a combination of regular exercise and healthy eating habits - everyone will have a better chance at a healthier life.
Now - I know you are concerned about what your daughter eats after school and on the weekends. Perhaps you can control the after school - if that occurs at your home. If not - talk about it. As for the weekends - rather than strive for perfection - how about improvement. Yes, stock the healthy foods at home - but do allow for an occasional "junk" food treat. Even choose 1-2 days a week for something special - just try to avoid making the junk food item the norm. You can even go so far as to have your daughter meet with a nutritionist to examine reasonable substitutes. Again, we're looking to establish longterm habits. Diet issues are very complicated - and, be careful about going overboard. As much as we are concerned about overweight - there are many, many young girls starving themselves in an attempt to achieve that "perfect" body.
With regard to blood pressure concerns - make sure the blood pressure is measured with the proper sized cuff. Check with your doctor about these measurements. Your daughter's numbers - especially the lower number - is high side of normal. Your doctor will probably want to follow that over time. If you are able to implement good eating habits and regular exercise - it would be interesting to see if your daughter's blood pressure might come down as well. Again, the concern is really longterm implications. I would resist any quick fix - but look for longterm results.
Finally, depending upon your family history for weight and blood pressure, your daughter may have an easier time or not. But most importantly - do involve your child's doctor in your efforts to shift her habits. Perhaps he (or she) could help guide you, as well as support you all in your efforts.
Good luck - Dr. EV.
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