Risk Evaluation to Achieve Cardiovascular Health (REACH) Clinic

We've all been told the importance of a healthy lifestyle in adulthood to help prevent heart attacks and type 2 diabetes. But did you know that the risk begins way before we become "grownups?" This is especially true for children who have a family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other risk factors that can contribute to heart disease later in life.

Here at the Cook Children's Risk Evaluation to Achieve Cardiovascular Health (REACH) clinic, we're dedicated to providing excellent, patient-centered care, as well as access to the most up-to-date therapies and clinical research. Our REACH team is committed to improving the lives and well-being of children who are at risk or affected by obesity, high blood pressure or high blood fats. We do this through a complete medical history, as well as changes in lifestyle, education and, when necessary, medication.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. And while it is rare for children or teens to have a heart attack, many of the preventable cardiovascular problems that develop in adulthood begin in childhood. Fortunately, reducing the risk of heart attack can also begin very early in life.

What we do

The REACH program at Cook Children's Medical Center works with children and their families to prevent premature heart disease and diabetes. Treatments include changes in lifestyle and, when necessary, medications. First, each child undergoes a complete checkup, looking for medical reasons that can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, high blood fats, and other problems that may result in premature heart disease as children grow into adulthood. When appropriate, other tests may be preformed, such as checking your child's fitness level, ability to exercise and need for a special diet. Families are offered education and coaching to help make the changes necessary to improve your child's health.

Educational Program

Depending on your child's diagnosis, our team may recommend that you, your child and family members will take one or more classes between each follow-up visit. Each class is one hour in length. Classes offered include:

• Healthy living kick start
• Sorting the starches
• Facing the fats
• Figuring out fiber