Eat a healthy diet
Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. It will help to keep your heart healthy.
Cut down on fatty foods. As you get older and become an adult - the doctors will be interested in your cholesterol levels! If you are able to keep the level of fat in your diet low then this will help to keep your cholesterol levels low. This will help reduce the chances of having a heart attack as you get older.
Some fats are good for you!! Particularly those found in oily fish (herrings, pilchards, salmon, fresh tuna etc). If you like this food then keep eating it on a regular basis as it is good for your heart.
Keep your salt intake low - avoid eating too many pre-packed meals as these are loaded with salt. Don't eat too many crisps or add extra salt to your food. If you have a high salt diet then your body tries to water it down by retaining fluid. This gives your heart extra work to do.
If you are unsure how to go about changing your diet - contact your nurse specialist who will be able to put you in touch with a dietician from the hospital to help you.
Try doing a Jamie Oliver and learn to cook!! It can be great fun and is far more healthy than microwave meals. It is also cheaper and doesn't have to be difficult. You may need to persuade your parents though!!
Recommend: "Cooking up a Storm - The Teen Survival Cookbook" by Sam Stern
