Eating highly refined, processed foods can lead children on a path to obesity. One in three children in the U.S. is obese. Unchecked, overconsumption of refined, “empty calories” can result in high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels and increased risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.Eating high-fiber foods will help regulate blood sugar levels and contribute to feelings of satiety to stem overeating. Insoluble fiber found in the skins of fruits and vegetables will help your children remain regular in bowel habits. Soluble fiber found in whole grains such as brown rice, millet, oats, quinoa and other grains, provide complex carbohydrates that take longer to digest—keeping energy levels from spiking.

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It is measured in two forces. The first is the force the heart creates as blood is pumped into the arteries and on through the circulatory system. The second measures the arteries’ force as they resist the flow of blood, or when the heart is at rest. Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers. The force of the heart beating represents the systolic pressure, or the top number. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, is when the heart is at rest.

Pneumonia refers to inflammation and infection of the lungs. The air sacs may contain pus. Patients also commonly suffer from oxygen deprivation. This serious disease can result in death. Pneumonia has roughly 30 different possible causes, but the most common are bacteria, viruses and mycoplasmas. If you suspect you have pneumonia, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will run tests, which may include a CAT scan of your chest, blood tests, including checking blood oxygen level, and tests for fluid in your lungs.