SUGAR-laded sweets and snacks and, quite frankly, too many hours in front of the wretched computer, are just some of the reasons why more and more kids are having high blood pressure problems. 

High blood pressure is no longer an adult-only health problem. But thanks to junk food and unhealthy eating habits more kids are being treated for this. 

This is the result of an ever-rising obesity rate among children. Indeed, in America, obesity has, according to some experts, reached ‘epidemic proportions.’ From the look of the many kids I see daily in schools, on the MRT and at the fast-food outlets, we aren’t far off. 

Because high blood pressure can cause strokes, kidney and heart disease, it is important this problem is addressed now. 

Begin with your kids getting a blood pressure test. Yes, I know, a lot of local GPs would be amused, if not reluctant, to take a BP test for your kid – but stand firm and insist.  

The problem is so bad in the US, kids as young as three are having their blood pressure taken routinely every time they go to a clinic. 

Insist on your child having a blood pressure test during the course of treatment for any acute illness. For instance, if he or she has had pneumonia and has had two to three visits to the doctor within a short period of time. 

Indeed, if he or she has a condition known to increase the risk of high blood pressure – including premature birth, low birth weight, congenital heart disease and some urinary and kidney problems – then his or her blood pressure should be taken routinely. 

If your child’s pressure is slightly higher, make sure to monitor it regularly – at least six-monthly. If it’s still high, take his or her blood pressure on at least two occasions, within say a two-week period, to confirm the diagnosis. 

But remember: high blood pressure is a relatively silent condition, Signs and symptoms, such as headaches, visual changes, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue, often don’t appear until high blood pressure becomes severe. 

Can we prevent high blood pressure in our kids? 

Yes, if we remember some simple facts. 

First, kids who get more exercise and whose nutrition is sound are less likely to develop high blood pressure, even if high blood pressure runs in the family. This is not a seat-of-the-pants observation but the conclusion of a number of studies. 

Another thing, parents who smoke – and who smoke in the presence of their kids – are putting their little ones in danger as secondhand smoke is downright dangerous. 

Even if your kid doesn’t have high blood pressure but is overweight and is the proverbial couch potato, he is in danger zone. Take this as a warning sign to act NOW. 

Second, monitor your child. For instance, pay attention to his or her sleeping patterns to see if he or she has problems breathing. Those with sleep disorders like sleep apnia often have problems with high blood pressure, especially those who are overweight. 

If you kid has been diagnosed with high blood pressure, don’t panic. What he or she needs is a change in lifestyle. 

Research shows cutting out the junk food and substituting with wholesome, balanced meals, plus physical activity – walks in the park, hiking, sports and the like – can dramatically alter blood pressure patterns. 

Your child might also need some medication – at least for awhile. 

Some fellow parents may think I’m being a bit of a ‘town crier’ by focusing high blood pressure as a pediatric issue, but don’t forget years ago we parents used to think putting babies on their stomachs to sleep was the right thing to do.  

As one eminent pediatrician wrote recently, we also sat in cars without seat belts and road motor cycles without a helmet. No one was aware of the risks, but they were there. 

Likewise, it is important to raise awareness of the dangers of obesity and high blood pressure in children. 

Although heart attacks are unlikely in childhood – though they are not entirely unknown – high blood pressure sets the stage for a lifetime of serious health problems. 

Parents: take note.