A calcium heart score, or coronary calcium scan, is done with a specialized X-ray called Cat scan, that provides our cardiologists with images that measure calcium build up in plaque on your heart arteries. Such scans are used as a part of prevention to assess and detect early signs of coronary artery disease. After all, the plaque in your arteries can grow, resulting in lower blood flow to your heart. When you do have calcium build up in the plaque, there are ways we can reduce it. In case you needed any more reason to love the avocado, now you do! Avocados are an excellent food to help lower your calcium heart score and treat coronary artery disease. Avocados are full of potassium (even more than bananas). Research suggests that foods rich in potassium reduce vascular calcification. What is excellent about avocados is you can use them as a replacement for condiments such as mayonnaise.

Squash them up and put them on sandwiches, salads, or even in smoothies. They can become an excellent substitute for anything creamy. We all love nuts and understand they pack a powerful protein punch and are a good source of unsaturated fats and fiber. That is why we Coloradoans love packing them for hikes or ski trips. But, they are also high in magnesium and plant sterols that naturally help reduce plaque build-up in your arteries. They are genuinely a heart-healthy snack. The American Heart Association recommends three to five servings a week. Examples of these little superfoods are Walnuts, Almonds, Macadamias, Brazil nuts, Cashew nuts, Hazelnuts, Pistachios, Peanuts, and Pecans. Well, fishing is a great activity to get you outdoors, but eating certain kinds of fish can help reduce your heart disease risk, and calcium heart score too. Certain fatty fish contains a lot of healthy unsaturated fats, and eating at least two servings of fish a week could reduce your risk of heart disease.

Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that reduce triglycerides, fatty fish like Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Herring, GlycoCares Health Guidehealthy carbohydrate metabolism or even Colorado Rainbow trout should be a staple on your menu at least twice a week. Whole grains are full of fiber that helps improve blood cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease. There have been further studies that have recently shown that fiber fights the hardening of artery walls. Thickening of artery walls can lead to more build up and increase your chances of a heart attack or stroke. It is recommended women get 25 grams and men get 34 grams daily by eating foods such as brown rice, whole-grain pasta, barley, oatmeal, or quinoa. We have said this for years, but olive oil is heart-healthy and can be used to liven up dishes and salads. Monounsaturated oleic acid in olive oil can reduce the risks of strokes and cardiovascular disease. But, to get all the anti-inflammatory benefits of olive oil, you will need 100% pure extra virgin olive oil. Who doesn’t need an excuse to drink coffee? Coffee can help keep arteries clean - who knew? However, moderation is key and, stay away from adding too much cream and sugar. If you are wondering about your calcium heart score, we can help. We offer these scans at our South Denver Heart Center for $99.

Every parent plans meticulously for the healthy growth and development of their child; this starts with healthy meals packed with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are essential to their development (1). Proper nutrition for kids ensures they have the energy and building blocks needed for physical and cognitive growth. Planning a diet for children is never easy, as their metabolism is faster, and they can process food more efficiently than an average adult. By focusing on nutrition for kids, parents can support their immune systems, brain development, and overall well-being. Understanding the nutritional requirements for children is key to raising healthy, happy, and active individuals. A good nutritional plan will ensure the right kind of growth and development. Healthy food habits learnt during childhood will ensure that your child will have a healthier life as an adult. Studies have shown that adults who had a nutritionally balanced childhood have lesser instances of high cholesterol or high blood pressure. These individuals also have lesser chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

With good nutrition, many diseases can be kept at bay. Conditions like iron deficiency, dental cavities, and osteoporosis can be avoided to a large extent. Good nutrition will provide your child with the right balance of energy as he grows up. He will be able to participate in activities that will keep him active and healthy. A healthy nutrition plan will help prevent obesity. Obesity amongst children is fast becoming one of the biggest GlycoCares Health Guidehealthy carbohydrate metabolism concerns of our times. Diseases caused by obesity like type two diabetes and high cholesterol are now commonly seen in children. Ensuring that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fibre will help stave off obesity. Creating valuable and good eating habits is a natural by-product of good nutrition during childhood. Learning when and how much to snack while balancing meals are important lessons that must be learnt early in life. Breakfast is one of the most skipped meals of the day. It is one of the most harmful meals to miss as it helps regulate Glyco Care blood sugar support sugar levels and improves brain function.