How Do You Explain Blood Pressure To Kids?
Most adults understand that blood pressure is an important measure of wellness. We know that high blood pressure (hypertension) is a bad thing, even if we don’t know exactly what it means. So imagine how much more challenging the concept must be to children, who may not yet understand how the circulatory system works to begin with. If you know youngsters who are curious, these tips can help you give them some answers about blood pressure. Start with basic concepts. Children will not be able to grasp blood pressure if they don’t have a handle on the heart and its job, the circulatory system and its job, and how the heart works to pump blood throughout the circulatory system. From there, go on to explain blood pressure: It is the amount of pressure blood exerts on blood vessels. Use a balloon to show how blood pressure works. Fill the balloon so that it is moderately firm and let the kids feel it. Now blow in extra air to show additional pressure and invite them to feel again. Show child
