A diet meant to control blood pressure is one low in calories, fats, and salt. Eat with your kids at home so you can better monitor their intake.

Encourage your children to eat more fruits and green vegetables. Bake, broil, or steam some fish. If your kids like meat, choose lean cuts, and cook chicken without the skin. Also, replace salt with fresh herbs.

• Promote exercise in your children as early as possible

As childhood HBP is closely linked to obesity and lack of exercise, you must help keep your children be physically active. Slip appropriate physical activities into your children's daily routine. Be creative and vary the activities so they will have fun and develop a positive attitude toward exercise. You can also encourage your older children to participate in sports.

• Ask about HBP