Millions of Americans use statins to lower their cholesterol, but now the American Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that children as young as 8 should be put on the drugs if they’re at risk for heart disease. While some insist that this can promote long-term health, others warn of serious potential dangers. Can statins save your child’s life, or should kids stick to Flintstones vitamins?
Author: Overdosed America
Adopting a healthy lifestyle--with daily exercise and a Mediterranean-style diet--is far more effective at preventing heart disease than is lowering cholesterol with drugs. It is important to correct the widely held misperception that the benefit of making these healthy changes is that they reduce cholesterol. Healthy lifestyle changes reduce the risk of heart disease and improve the chances of staying healthy overall, even though cholesterol levels may not change. In other words, don't monitor the benefit of healthy changes by their effect on cholesterol, know that there is a great benefit whether or not the cholesterol changes. Don't feel bad if you didn't understand this, most doctors are confused about it as well. So help your children's doctor understand that the best way to prevent early heart disease in children is to help them adopt healthy habits!
Next Argument
Biweekly updates on new debates and experts
Please check your email to confirm your subscription.
© 2008 Opposing Views, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Opposing Views, Inc. is not responsible for the content posted on this website. Please view full disclaimer under Terms
Expert Verified
