Preventive medicine
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Preventive medicine · Jan 1995
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA controlled evaluation of a fitness and nutrition intervention program on cardiovascular health in 10- to 12-year-old children.
Programs to improve cardiovascular health in schoolchildren need careful scientific evaluation. ⋯ Teacher-implemented health packages are feasible with minimal training but programs should differ between boys and girls. Fitness programs were more successful than nutrition education particularly in girls. Clearer nutrition messages should prevent reciprocal changes in sugar and fat. For girls, the 3 mm Hg reduction of diastolic blood pressure, less obesity, and increased fitness could translate into a substantial reduction in cardiovascular risk in adult life.