by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough
Children with a family history of high cholesterol should have their blood cholesterol tested. This is an official recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics and it makes sense.
There is another group that we need to look at as well, obese kids.
As we battle obesity as a country these recommendations carry a great deal more importance. Your pediatrician or family physician will probably bring up the issue, but keep it in mind as something to bring up at the next appointment.
There is another key issue that is often overlooked. Many teenagers don’t visit the doctor that often. There may be an occasional sports or camp physical but this is a time when blood pressure should be checked, proper diet should be discussed as well as high risk behaviors.
If you can’t remember the last time your teen had a visit to the doctor, it is time to think about it. Remember, appointments often fill up in August before the start of school. Make the call now.
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