HHS HealthBeat (November 14, 2007)

Thinking about exercise

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Kids who work their bodies may find their minds are better off for it. Researchers who looked at kids who did daily vigorous physical activity for three months say the kids wound up thinking better.

Catherine Davis of the Medical College of Georgia bases that on a study of about 200 kids ages 7 to 11 who were overweight and inactive when they started the program. Her study, presented at the Obesity Society’s annual scientific meeting, was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

``They were able to make better decisions about strategies. They were able to inhibit improper impulses. And that can translate to important benefits for their life.’’ (9 seconds)

The changes weren’t big, but they were evident – and in addition to losing weight, getting stronger bones, and reducing their chances of developing diabetes.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May, 26 2008