Hefty Kids Have Higher Risk of Future Heart Attack
 (London, Reuters Health, 9/20/04)

The Geneva-based World Heart Federation, a charitable organization, warns that a heavy youngster is more likely than a slimmer child to become ill with serious conditions like heart disease and stroke before reaching age 65. Janet Voute, the CEO of the Federation, points out that establishing unhealthy habits—including high-calorie diets and little exercise—in youth, leads to lifelong health problems. She has called for schools to increase physical activities for students and to adopt more healthful nutritional policies for their cafeterias and vending machines. In addition, the Federation warns that subjecting children to second hand smoke further increases the risk of damage to their hearts.