Evolving evidence shows that heart healthy habits in adults are rooted in the environments we live in early childhood, representing a window of opportunity in young children to focus on health promotion and potentially prevent disease in adulthood, according to a review paper published Dec. 6, 2018 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

“Because of the unique plasticity of the human brain during childhood, this period represents a window of opportunity to instil lifelong lasting healthy habits, therefore preventing future development of cardiovascular disease,” senior author Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, MACC said. “By educating on health promotion early in life, we may also have the potential to reduce the burden of other disease as well.” (ACC)