An NYC pediatrician comments on a new study released March 31, that links children with muscle strength to a lower risk of developing heart disease, but researchers warn of weightlifting at a young age
BROOKLYN, NY / www.myprgenie.com / ACCESSWIRE / April 23, 2014 / Dr. Demetrios Gabriel formerly of Gabriel Pediatrics reacts to an article posted on Examiner.com claiming that muscle strength in children can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
According to the article, researchers focused on 1,421 children from the ages of 10 to 12 from 17 different areas in Michigan. According to the recent study, "Participants were tested for strength capacity using a standardized hand-grip strength assessment." In addition, the children were measured for their body fat percentages, glucose levels, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and triglycerides.
The researchers concluded in their study that stronger kids had better cholesterol, blood pressure, and body-fat percentages. In addition, stronger children were linked to lower blood sugar levels which can decrease the chances of kids developing diabetes. While poor cardiovascular health has already proven to be associated with diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, this study is the first to relate strength capacity with those conditions.
In response to this recent study, Dr. Demetrios Gabriel formerly of Gabriel Pediatrics says, "This evidence only adds to the fact that kids need to carry out an active lifestyle. While videos games and smart phones have recently discouraged cardiovascular activity, the initiative to increase activity and even increase muscle strength must be taken." Dr. Gabriel says that the study claims that strong muscles aren't directly correlated to better health overall, but he feels it could be an indicator of their general health.
The researchers also made sure to let parents know that muscle strength doesn't necessarily mean kids have to lift weights. In fact, Dr. Gabriel advises against it at a young age. "Kids are still developing their bodies and muscles; we don't want that to be affected because of this study. The research suggests kids can climb, play on monkey bars, and do pushups and I think that these are all great ideas to condition muscle strength."
Gabriel Pediatrics provided comprehensive pediatric care to children throughout the New York area with practices both in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Their board certified pediatricians and experienced staff helped provide a very warm and nurturing environment for all their patients. Their approach combined the latest treatment methods with the personal attention everyone should expect from their doctor. Simply put, they understood the importance of communication and trust and they earned that trust one family at a time.
Contact: Scott Darrohn, [email protected], 855-347-4228
SOURCE: Gabriel Pediatrics