Active Kids Do Better in School

Active Kids Do Better in School
Fitness News Flash
-- By Nicole Nichols, Fitness Instructor & Health Educator

A recent study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) investigated the link between physical activity in children and academic performance in school. Initially, researchers predicted that kids who took physical education (PE) during the school day would do better academically, since it helps reduce boredom and helps kids stay focused.

The study, reported in ACSM's official journal, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, examined 214 children of middle school age. All students were randomly assigned to a PE class in either the first or second semester of the school year. Researchers collected information on each student's activity level in and outside of the PE class, and compared their level of activity to their grades in the subjects of math, science, world studies and English.

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http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=686

Getting the Kids to Eat Right

Q: How do I get my kids to eat healthier? They turn their noses up at anything that's good for them.

A: Encourage them to try lots of different things! It usually took about five to eight tries before I found healthy meals that my girls liked! Don't worry — as they grow up, their palates will develop. But for now it's a good idea to make a list of fun, healthy snacks that they can enjoy. For a yummy fruit dip, combine one cup of applesauce with one cup of low-fat flavored yogurt and serve with sliced strawberries, apples, bananas, pineapple, or grapes. You should also get your kids interested in fitness — it's important to get them eating right and exercising at an early age!